Price 50 Cents 




Prat£2> POINTERS 



QN COWS-HOGS &SHEEP 




YORKSHIRE, 




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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



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pratts, jsr 

Pointers on 
COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

INCLUDING 

THEIR CARE, FEEDING, HOUSINQ 
AND DISEASES 

CONTAINING 

Valuable Information from Experienced Authorities 



PUBLISHED BY 

Pratt Food Company 

W 

Manufacturers of 



pratts* 



Animal and Poultry Regulators and Veterinary Remedies 



PHILADELPHIA, PENNA., U. S. A. 
TORONTO, CANADA 



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Copyright 1911 

Pratt Food Company 

Philaldelphia 






©CI.A28G289 






PART I 



PRATTS POINTERS ON THE COW 




COWS 



CHAPTER I. 

POINTERS FOR DAIRYMEN 

Dairying as a branch of mixed farming may be con- 
ducted on any arable farm. Exclusive dairying should 
only be conducted where all the conditions are favorable. 
The following suggestions should be duly weighed by 
those who propose to engage in this business. 

(5) 



6 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

i. The conditions that are favorable to dairying in- 
clude a reasonably fertile soil, good grazing land, an 
ample water supply, healthy cows that are good pro- 
ducers, suitable shelter summer and winter, proximity to 
a creamery, a cheese factory or a shipping station or city 
in which to dispose of the produce. 




PI<AN OF DAIRY FARM 



2. Dairying of the first kind may be conducted with 
dual or straight dairy cows, depending on the extent to 
which beef is grown. Dairying of the second class should 
be conducted only with straight dairy cows. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 7 

3. Because of the insidious and harmful character 
of tuberculosis, and because of the legislation that is be- 
ing continually enacted against the sale of milk from dairy 
herds so infected, no efforts should be spared to begin 




SHORT-HORN COW 



the work with cows absolutely free from it, and to keep 
the herd free from it all the while. 

4. The aim should be to grow on the farm, as far 
as this may be practicable, all the food fed to the cows, 
as this may ordinarily be more cheaply grown on the farm 
than obtained by purchase. 



8 PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

5. Whatsoever may be the breeding of the dams, it 
is absolutely essential that good pure bred sires only shall 
be introduced into the herd, that the character of the 
transmission may be such as to keep up the standard of 
possible production. 

6. The aim should be to test the producing power 
of the cows by keeping a sufficient record of the quantity 
and quality of the milk produced to make easily possible 
the elimination of non-paying producers. 

7. Where practicable, pork raising may be made an 
adjunct of dairying, as it should tend to further swell the 
profits from dairying. 

8. The dairyman should love his work and centre 
his energies on it if he is going to succeed. 

SELECTING DAIRY STOCK 

Dairying may be conducted with pure bred cattle 
or grades. When conducted with pure breds the aim is 
to add to the profits by selling the surplus progeny for a 
larger price than could be obtained for grades. Only a 
limited number, however, have skill and business tact suf- 
ficient to enable them to breed pure breds with complete 
success. For the ordinary dairyman well chosen grades 
are better. They are more suitable because they may be 
obtained more cheaply, and because they produce just as 
well in the dairv. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 9 




AYRSHIRE COW 

The pure breeds of dairy cattle in the United States 
are: The Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey and Guernsey. The 
Holstein are noted for the large quantity of their pro- 
duction in milk, but which is ordinarily less rich than 
milk obtained from the other breeds. The Jersey and 
Guernsey are less productive in milk, but the milk is 
richer in butter fat than that of the other breeds, the 
Guernseys being of larger size than the Jerseys. The 
Ayrshires are as it were a mean between the other two in 
quantity and quality of milk. Another breed, the Dutch 
Belted, are practically of the same origin as the Holstein, 
and resemble them much in their producing power. 



10 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

The Brown Swiss, Milking Shorthorn and Devon 
breeds are sometimes introduced into the dairy, but the 
aim should be to use them, if used, on the arable farm 
where dairying is only one phase of the work undertaken. 
The male progeny of all these are fairly suitable for being 
grown into beef and especially into baby beef should this 
be desired. 

When grades are selected the cows should have good 
milking form, should possess good stamina and should 
be of fair size for the class of the grade. Apart from 
these the blood lines of the grades and the admixture of 
the blood elements are of but little moment, as will be 
shown under the head of breeding dairy cattle. 

The form of all good milk producing cows is con- 
siderably alike. The points of difference are not of great 
moment. In the pure breeds, they relate to such features 
as size, color and the curvature of the horns. In grades 
they refer to the same, but in a less degree. 

When selecting a good dairy cow, look first for good 
length and depth of the body, that is the barrel. Second, 
for such evidences of refinement in form as are seen in 
a head and neck inclining to long and slim, thin and 
sharp withers, thin thighs and rather fine limbs. Third, 
for evidences of abundant milk giving as shown in a 
shapely, evenly quartered udder, pliant when empty, with 
medium sized teats, and as shown in long, relatively large 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS. SHEEP AND BOGS 11 



and tortuous milkveins, going into the body through large 
openings. Fourth, for stamina as evidenced in a rela- 
tively wide lower chest. Fifth, for a nice pliant skin 
inclining to thin rather than to thick. Also look for 
relatively good size for the breed or grade. Among 
the other points of considerable importance are a rather 
broad mouth, a bright and large eye, and broad and deep 
spacing between the ribs. The males must of course have 
large development of head and neck, also chest ; also less 
refinement in the sense of cleanliness and thinness of the 
parts. 




CHECK 
FACE 
UZZLt 
LOWER JAV» 
OrNTOFSHOULOEft 
EY/LAP 



BREEDING DAIRY CATTLE 

The aim should be to breed on the dairy farm the 
cattle that are kept thereon, to the greatest extent practi- 
cable. Such breeding properly conducted will in a few 
generations lead to a high standard of production. It 
makes it easily possible to keep out tuberculosis, abortion 
and some of the other communicable diseases, which work 
so much havoc in otherwise well-organized dairies. When 



12 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

the cows, or some of them are purchased, the danger is 
always more or less present of bringing in disease, and 
especially those diseases, tuberculosis and contagious abor- 
tion, which are the nightmare of the dairyman. Even 
the tuberculosis test applied at the time of purchase may 
not always prevent the entrance of the disease, as it may 
develop in animals in which the germs of the disease had 
found lodgment but a short time before the test was made. 
But the city dairyman can ordinarily obtain his cows in 
no other way than by purchase. 

When breeding pure breds the most important ob- 
ject sought is suitable and high production in the cows. 
This is usually best obtained from high-producing dams 
and good sires, descended from ancestry that were good 
performers especially in three or four of the more present 
of the generations. But attention must also be given to 
all the requisites called for in the scale of points estab- 
lished. All of these have a money value in pure breds, 
even fancy points, that is, such points as relate to 
shades of color and curvature of horns, may not be disre- 
garded. 

When breeding grade cows for the dairy, the pro- 
cess followed should be that known as up-grading rather 
than through the crossing of breeds. It is accomplished 
through mating the females with pure bred males, and 
always chosen from the same breed. By such breeding 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 13 

the form of the females in all leading essentials will be 
brought practically up to that of the standard for females 
of the breed from which the sires have been chosen, in 
about four generations. This result can be accomplished 
with foundation females practically without any clearly 
defined breeding. It implies of course that to accomplish 
such an end thus quickly, the necessity for the careful 
elimination of all inferior specimens is continually present. 
To bring up the milk-producing qualities to a similar 
standard may call for a longer time, probably one or two 
years more, as it is not easy to improve rapidly qualities 
that relate to milk production as those that relate to form. 
The constant and persistent elimination of inferior ani- 
mals even among pure breds is absolutely necessary to 
the maintenance of a high standard in the dairy, whether 
it relates to individuality or to production. 

REARING DAIRY COWS 

When choosing calves intended for future milking in 
the dairy, it is greatly important, (i) that they shall be 
the progeny of cows that have been good performers in 
the dairy and what is more important even, that they are 
of the more recent generations of the ancestry that have 
themselves been good performers. (2) That they are 
chosen as far as practicable from cows that are not far 
from the meridian of their vigor and highest usefulness, 
and in no instance the first calf produced, especially from 



14 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

a quite immature cow. (3) That they shall be possessed 
of good promise at the time of birth. 

The calves should be so fed that they will make suf- 
ficient growth, that while growing the tendency to free 
milk production shall not be hindered, and that symmetry 
of form shall not be disfigured as a result of the feeding. 
Sufficient growth can only be secured through feeding 
enough of food possessed of a sufficient amount of nutri- 
ment to secure that end. That will involve the feeding of 
some grain during the milk period and to some extent in- 
frequently. The tendency to free milk production may be 
hindered by feeding that will result in too high a condi- 
tion of flesh during much of the growing period. Sym- 
metry of form may be marred to a considerable extent by 
feeding quantities of liquid so excessive during the milk 
period that undue paunchiness may result, or by feeding 
foods too concentrated and so deficient in quantity as to 
lead to too little of paunch development. 

The dairy calf should be fed in outline as follows: 
The first meal should be taken from the dam by the calf 
itself, and, of course in the usual way. It may even be 
wise to allow it to take three or four meals similarly. 
The object is to start digestion in the right manner, and 
in no other way can this be accomplished so well. The 
calf should then be allowed to become quite hungry to 
prepare it for hand-feeding. When learning to drink, the 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 15 

calf should be given the hand until it will take milk with- 
out it. New milk should be given in three or four feeds 
daily until the calf is one to two weeks old. This expen- 
sive food is necessary in order to give the calves a proper 
start. 

At the end of one to two weeks, the substitution of 
skim milk for the new milk should begin. It is done by 
withholding a very small quantity of the new milk the 
first feed, and adding a trifle more of the skim milk than 
was withheld of the other. This change goes on increas- 
ingly until only skim milk is being fed. This change 
may be accomplished in from one to three weeks, accord- 
ing to the vigor of the calf. 

As soon as this change is begun, some oil cake or 
ground flax should be added to the milk, as much as the 
calves can take without producing too much of lowness in 
the digestion, a small tablespoonful may be enough to be- 
gin with. This should be continued during the milk 
period, and it may be for sometime subsequently. It is 
given for the purpose of supplying cheaply the nutriments 
in the cream that were withheld by this system of feeding. 
This should not be fed to that extent of making the calves 
over fat. Some grain should be added, as much as the 
calves will take until the milk period is ended, after which 
it may be necessary to restrict somewhat the amount fed. 
No grain is better adapted for such feeding than equal 
parts in bulk of wheat bran and oats, the latter being fed 



16 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ground only for a short time at the first. Such food is 
most excellent for building up good, healthy, muscular 
frames. 

The fodder given should be of the best. It should be 
fine, whatsoever may be its kind. Fine clover, fine al- 
falfa, fine vetches, fine peas and oats grown together; all 
these are excellent. They should be cut at an early stage, 
that is, before they become much woody. Succulent pas- 
tures of almost any kind of young grass will be suitable, 
other pastures include dwarf Essex rape, vetches and oats, 
and other grains grown in admixture. 

Various features of management are greatly im- 
portant. During the milk period they should be fed milk 
only in moderate quantities, and in a pure and cheap con- 
dition. The milk should always be given in clean pails. 
They should have access at all times to pure water even 
during the milk period. The stables should be clean and 
well bedded all the while, and the calves should be given 
access in addition to a sheltered yard that they may have 
ample exercise. This is greatly helpful to the mainten- 
ance of stamina. 




A IS It 



After the period of calfhood, the aim should be to so 
manage and to so feed, that development shall be con- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 17 

tinuous and ample, but not excessive until maturity is 
reached. The feeding should be such that the animals 
shall carry a fair amount of flesh all the while, but the 
flesh should come from foods that are not overheating or 
over-stimulating, that is that are not over-carbonaceous. 
The more that such food can be obtained from pastures, 
the better will the results be. Such foods furnish a natur- 
ally balanced and suitable ration, and in taking it the ani- 
mals are getting that exercise in the fresh air that is so 
helpful to strong development. Animals of this age will 
not be harmed if kept much on pastures a little sparse, as 
it will compel them to take free exercise. The common 
mistake consists in keeping the animals too lean. 

The food fed in winter during the period following 
calfhood and preceding cowhood may be simple and cheap. 
It may consist almost entirely of fodders and those that 
are cheap, as straw of certain kinds may furnish a con- 
siderable portion of it. A little light grain may be neces- 
sary, where much straw is being fed. Some field roots, as 
mangels or rutabagas, may also be very helpful in regu- 
lating the digestion and in promoting good growth. 

All things considered, the heifers should not come 
into milk under the age of twenty-four months and proba- 
jbly thirty months would be better. Breeding and milking 
at an age too immature puts a tax on the animal which 
will lessen size and lower stamina. The tendency to-day 
it to breed the females at too young an age. 



18 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

IMPROVING DAIRY CATTLE 

Dairy herds may be brought up to a higher standard 
of productiveness by judicious breeding, that is judicious 
up-grading, by keeping milk records, by testing the milk, 
and by the careful elimination of unprofitable animals. 

As intimated previously, the sires should as a rule be 
chosen successively from the same breed, 

In breeding pure-breds, this is imperative. The 
necessity for following it in breeding grades is apparent 
from the fact that the progeny will inherit more proper- 
ties from the sire than from the dam. The ponderance of 
such inheritance will be equal to the measure of the 
greater prepotency of the sire as compared to the same in 
the dam. Should a male of another pure breed be used in 
the next mating or in any succeeding, a factor is intro- 
duced that lessens improvement in the direction first 
sought, and diverts more or less the concentration of prop- 
erties that will conduce to securing a certain end. Hence 
it is that the place for the cross breeding of dairy cattle is 
not a large one. 

The keeping of milk records enables one to know just 
how much he is getting from each cow. It is usually con- 
sidered sufficient to furnish an approximate estimate of 
production by weighing the milk of each cow twice or 
three times each month, and averaging the daily produc- 
tion for each month by the average of these weighings. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 19 

In this way, a fairly correct idea may be thus obtained of 
the relative production of each cow, at least in milk. Of 
course the record is more complete if the milk is weighed 
and the record made of it at each milking. Such records 
take much less time than is generally supposed. 

But the milk record does not tell all the story. The 
milk should be tested at least two or three times a month 
to furnish a basis for averaging the percentage of the but- 
ter fat in the milk. The necessity for this is based on the 
fact, tjiat while the percentage of the fat in the milk of 
one cow may be less than three, the percentage of the 
same from another cow may be more than five. When 
these tests are made and milk records are kept, the exact 
return from each cow may be ascertained. The milk tests 
may be made by the farmer himself, or by some member 
of his family. If the dairyman ascertains by close obser- 
vation or what would be better still by weighing enough 
of the food to furnish a basis for estimating the total an- 
nual cost of the same, he further enhances the value of 
the information obtained by weighing, and testing the 
milk, this will enable him to eliminate, on the basis of non- 
profit or of low profit, the cows that should be discarded. 

The non-ability of a cow to breed well freely in ad- 
vanced age, or for other reasons, furnishes an additional 
basis for elimination. If a cow does not breed regularly 
or fairly so, she will not, of course, be able to give milk as 
freely as if she renewed the lactation period regularly. 



20 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

The age at which cows should be turned off in the dairy 
cannot be given by any hard and fast rule. Some cows 
can be kept with much profit beyond the age of 12 years 
and other cows are past their best at 7 to 8 years. 

THE FOODS CAI,I,ED FOR 

Cows in the farmer's dairy can be kept most eco- 
nomically and profitably when the foods cover a wide 
range. They should have pasture, soiling food, fodders 
and grains in a proper succession or in a suitable combina- 
tion. Cows in the city dairy must be kept all the while 
on fodders and grain roods, which means that the expense 
of feeding them is relatively greater. 

Usually the farmers' cows may be kept more cheaply 
on pasture than on any other kind of food, but relative 
cheapness in this respect depends much on such conditions, 
as the relative price of lands, the extent of the area avail- 
able, the suitability of the land for producing pastures and 
the breed or rather relative size of the cows. The lower 
the price of lands as a rule, the cheaper relatively can they 
furnish pasture. The larger the area available the longer 
can the feeding of soiling food be delayed. The higher 
the adaptation of the ground to produce grazing, the more 
cheaply relatively will it be produced. Cows with heavy 
bodies require more abundant grazing than other cows, 
as they are less well fitted for the active exertion neces- 
sary to gather food from pastures. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 21 

The pastures east of the Mississippi may include 
many varieties, according to the locality. On rugged 
lands the best all round grass that grows over large areas 
is Kentucky blue grass. The best mixture on the average 
arable lands in the North is timothy and one or more of 
the clovers. The best tame pastures temporary in their 
nature in the North on the low lands, are a mixture of 
clover or the clovers, timothy and red top. In the South, 
the best pastures include Bermuda grass, orchard grass 
and Japan and Burr clover. The best permanent grass on 
rugged lands in the North is Kentucky blue. Permanent 
pastures which contain mixed plants are best grown on 
low lands. They may be made up variously, but in all in- 
stances they should contain several plants and so chosen 
that they will grow in succession, so as to provide pasture 
practically through all the season. The plants that will 
furnish them, include alfalfa, several of the clovers, red 
top, timothy, orchard grass, and in some instances, Crome 
grass and Kentucky blue. In dry areas west of the Miss- 
issippi, a mixture of cereal grains is frequently sown for 
pasture. 

Soiling food is food that is cut and fed green to the 
stock. The successful dairyman on the farm must grow 
soiling food for his cows. This food supplements the pas- 
tures when these fail. Supplemental foods include winter 
rye, alfalfa, red clover, peas and oats grown together; 



22PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

vetches and oats grown similarly, millet, cow peas, soy 
beans, corn sorghum and in some places the non-saccharine 
sorghums. The most important of these are alfalfa, peas 
and oats and corn. Corn in the silo, makes one of the best 
green foods for winter that can be obtained. Field roots, 
especially mangels may be thus used, and also sugar beet 
pulp, but these are not usually so easily obtainable as corn. 

The best fodders for cows in milk include, alfalfa, 
clover in its several varieties, mixed hay, a mixture of 
field peas and oats, fodder corn and sorghum. In the 
South cow pea hay and soy bean hay are much prized. It 
is greatly important that all these shall be cut at an early 
stage of maturity, that they shall not be under nor over- 
cured, and that they shall be free from must and mold. 
Some straw may also be used betimes, but only in small 
quantities and along with concentrated foods. 

Grains, that is concentrated foods, should in nearly 
all instances be fed along with fodders, howsoever excel- 
lent the fodders may be. The necessity for this is based 
upon the fact, that a cow has not the capacity to digest 
enough of fodder to result in the maximum production of 
milk. It also furnishes an easy way, or at least a practi- 
cable way of feeding, a balanced ration, that is a ration 
which will contain enough of protein and carbo-hydrates 
respectively to produce the best results. For instance, al- 
falfa is a protein food. ''.' If alfalfa only is fed, the cow 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 23 

will consume an excess of protein and too small an amount 
of carbo-hydrates. Corn is a carbonaceous food. If the 
cow is fed corn only, the protein will be deficient, but by 
feeding the two simultaneously, a ration exactly suited to 
her needs will be fed. Protein foods are chiefly concerned 
in making flesh and milk and carbo-hydrate foods in sus- 
taining heat and producing fat. The proper combining of 
foods is a study in itself. Feeding standards now easily 
accessible, will make the study of this problem much 
easier. 

PREPARING FOODS FOR FEEDING 

In many instances, in fact in most instances, fodders 
may be fed without any preparation other than that which 
comes as a result of cutting at the proper stage of growth 
and of curing properly. When these foods are possessed 
of sufficient palatability, they may usually be fed directly 
and to the extent of the capacity of the animals to consume 
them. When they are lacking in palatability this may be 
improved by running them through a cutting box and 
mixing with them more or less of some kind of meal. 
The consumption of those foods will thus be increased 
and a substantial saving may thereby be effected or at 
times, when better fodders may be scarce and dear. 

Field roots may be fed directly and without prepara- 
tion when not over large, when too large for such feeding 
they should be sliced or pulped. When pulped, the con- 



24 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

sumption of cheap fodders will be increased by mixing 
with them when in the cut form, pulp alone or with meal 
added. This will apply also to sugar beet pulp, but it may 
be necessary frequently to feed the pulp alone. 

Nearly all kinds of concentrates should be fed in the 
form of meal, to aid in their more complete digestion. As 
a rule, the aim should be to feed them with some bulk 
product, as cut fodders, to diffuse them for the more com- 
plete penetration of the gastric juices. No bulk product 
is better suited for such admixing than corn ensilage. 
When thus fed, the concentrates are ground still more 
finely by being chewed in the form of cud, and this adds 
to their more effective assimilation and absorption into 
the system. 

By growing fodders to the greatest extent practi- 
cable, and by combining with these, ground concentrates, 
the necessity for purchasing great quantities of mixed 
feeds for the farm dairy and transporting them long dis- 
tances may be greatly reduced, if not entirely obviated. 
Some of these foods are valuable, others of them are less 
so ; all of them, in the very nature of things are dear. 

The bulk quantity in some of them is composed of 
very inferior material, such as cows would not consume 
alone. Its identity is concealed through grinding, and the 
consumption is increased through sweetening the product 
by admixing with it molasses or sugar of low grade. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 25 

FEEDING FOODS 

Whether cows should be fed two or three feeds per 
day is a disputed point among practical dairymen. If fed 
a sufficient quantity at each time, two feeds per day will 
probably be as satisfactory as more. Many dairymen 
have adopted this plan. It enables the cows to take more 
rest than when fed more frequently, and this fact has an 
important bearing on milk elaboration. 

The quantities of the grain to be fed, are influenced 
by the character of the fodders, by the kind of the grain, 
and by the amount of the milk given by the cow. When 
the fodders are essentially protein in character, as when 
beginners are fed, about one-half the grain will be called 
for to effect a given end as when carbonaceous fodders 
are fed. For instance, good alfalfa would not call for 
more than half the grain called for by good timothy fod- 
der. When the grain fed is much condensed, as in the 
case of corn or rye, a less quantity is fed than if con- 
densed, as in the case of oats. The rule is now being 
pretty generally accepted to feed one pound of grain for 
every three or four pounds of milk given by the cow, at 
least up to a certain limit. 

The combinations in which the grain foods are fed, 
depends largely on the character of the fodders and of 
the foods themselves. When the fodders are rich in pro- 
tein the aim should be to feed grain rich in carbohydrates 



26 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

as corn. When the fodders are rich in carbohydrates as 
sorghum, the aim should be to feed concentrates rich in 
protein, as wheat bran, oil meal and cottonseed meal. The 
proportions of each to be fed will be similarly influenced. 

Field roots, as mangels or carrots, may be fed to any 
extent that may be desired. By such feeding, is meant 
that no harm will follow such feeding, unless it should 
prove too costly. The same is true of sugar beet pulp. 
But turnips and rutabagas should not be fed per day in 
greater quantity than at the rate of say one peck, lest some 
taint should be imparted to the milk. 

In the New England States, corn ensilage should be 
used as the basic roughage. It should be fed at the rate 
of thirty to forty pounds per day. The cows should be 
given all the hay that they will consume, whether fed as 
mixed hay, clover or rowen. The concentrate feed, of 
which a considerable proportion is usually purchased, 
should be cornmeal, wheat bran, cottonseed meal or 
gluten meal, fed in the proportions of 2. 1 and 1 parts by 
weight. 

In the Northern States, including Minnesota, Wis- 
consin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, 
good corn silage should be fed at the rate of thirty to 
forty pounds daily, and all the good clover or alfalfa hay 
that the cow will consume. As concentrate she may be 
given a mixture of cornmeal, wheat bran and cottonseed 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 27 

meal, in the proportions of 2. i and i parts by weight. In 
some instances it may be well to feed only wheat bran 
with the cornmeal, and in others equal parts of wheat 
bran and ground oats. The quantity fed per day in these 
States with leguminous fodders should never exceed ten 
pounds and usually five to seven pounds will be ample. 

In the Northwestern States, cows in milk may be 
fed various kinds of hay, such as can be safely raised. 
There is no reason why corn silage should not be fed, but 
it cannot be grown in quantities so large as in other States. 
The concentrate will most commonly consist of such foods 
as ground barley, speltz or millet, ground oats and wheat 
bran equal parts by weight. In some instances wheat and 
oats grown together may furnish the sole concentrate. 
The feeding of such food is to be commended where it 
may be readily grown. 

In the States with Illinois and Missouri as a centre, 
and in all the States which border upon these, one of the 
most economical rations is corn silage with clover and al- 
falfa, for roughage. These States grow corn abundantly, 
hence the silage has in many instances a large proportion 
of corn in it. This means that the necessity for heavy 
grain feeding where this condition exists will be so far 
reduced. The concentrate high in favor is corn, cotton- 
seed and gluten meal, in the proportions of 2.1 and 1 



28 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

parts. Cow peas and soy beans will probably more and 
more furnish the protein in these States. 

In the Atlantic States, from Delaware to Georgia, 
including also Tennessee, a favorite food is thirty to forty 
pounds of sorghum or corn silage. The roughage fed 
includes clover, alfalfa or cow pea hay. The favorite con- 
centrate is corn and cottonseed meal, given in the propor- 
tions of 2 and i parts by weight. Bran is sometimes fed 
along with cottonseed meal. 

In the Mountain and far Western States, clover and 
alfalfa are in nearly all instances fed as the sole roughage. 
In some instances, however, the hay is mixed in charac- 
ter, as for instance, clover and timothy or oats and vetches 
grown together. A favorite concentrate is ground barley, 
oats and wheat bran, fed in equal proportions. To a lim- 
ited extent on the Pacific Coast, rice meal is fed. 

In the States which border on the Gulf of Mexico, 
from thirty to forty pounds of corn ensilage are fed in 
many instances for roughage, but this food is frequently 
supplemented by pasture. The concentrate fed is cotton- 
seed meal and wheat or rice bran, in equal parts by weight. 
When corn meal is not too dear, a favorite concentrate is 
a mixture of cottonseed meal, ground corn and wheat 
bran, or rice meal, in the proportions of 2.1 and 1 parts 
by weight. Thus it is, that the rations will of necessity 
vary in the different States. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 29 

COWS IN M1XK ON PASTURE 

Cows in milk should not be turned out to grazing 
while the weather is raw or cold. Nor should they be 
put upon the same, while the grass is too short and im- 
mature to satisfy the cows within a reasonable period 
Every hour of exposure to raw weather means a shrink- 
age in the milk flow. Every step taken by the cows when 
grazing beyond the needs of exercise, is taken at the ex- 
pense of their milk production. 

When turned out to graze in spring, the turning out 
process should be gradual. If the cows are allowed to 
consume all the soft grass that they will take at the first 
the condition of the digestion will become too lax. 
Shrinkage may follow in the condition of the cow, at 
least to some extent. Such shrinkage means lessened pro- 
duction some time in the future if not at the time. This 
may be avoided by continuing to feed meal at least for a 
time after the grazing has begun, and by regulating the 
length of the time on which they are grazed. 

The aim should be not to graze the pasture too close- 
ly. Such grazing lessens the capacity of the pasture to 
furnish abundant grazing through the season. It also 
lessens the opportunity for the cows to secure food with- 
out excessive exertion, such excess in travel hinders the 
taking of proper rest, so essential to milk elaboration. 
The great mistake in grazing is grazing too close. 

It is a disputed point as to whether any meal should 



30 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

be fed to cows on abundant and succulent grazing, some 
dairymen claim, that feeding meal at such a time, though 
it may not enable the cow to give more milk just then, 
that such a result will follow later, as it will tend to en- 
able the cow to store up in her system a residuum of flesh 
that will be given up in the future, and that when so 
given up, will tend to increase in milk production. Not- 
withstanding, during that portion of the season of graz- 
ing when the grasses are sufficiently plentiful to meet 
all the needs of the cow, the necessity for such feeding of 
grain would not seem to be important. But it is entirely 
different, should the grazing become short and dry. The 
feeding of some grain, or of some grain equivalent, will 
then become imperative, where maximum production is to 
be maintained. 

It is quite possible to prolong the season of grazing 
very materially by keeping pasture in reserve for autumn 
and early spring grazing. This may be accomplished 
with some grasses but not with all, by simply setting aside 
a field which is not grazed in the early part of the season. 
No grass is better adapted to such a use than the Ken- 
tucky blue grass, owing to its habit of growing early and 
again late, and to the fineness of the growth. The early 
and matured grass is then consumed with the new growth 
which makes a very suitable combination for both late fall 
and early spring grazing. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 31 

Some plants and some pastures must be grazed with 
some caution by cows in milk, and some may not be graz- 
ed at all. Of the former class are succulent rye pastures, 
the young and abundant growth of grain in stubbles in 
the autumn and alfalfa. Of the latter class are rape and 
turnip tops. When cows in milk are allowed to graze at 
will on rye abundant and succulent, the milk will have a 
taint that is not desirable. The same result may follow 
the indiscriminate grazing of volunteer grain amid the 
stubbles. The danger from grazing down alfalfa is that 
arising from bloat. This danger is greatest when the 
cows are first turned in to graze, and it is further increas- 
ed by much succulence in the plants and by dew or rain 
resting on the plants. This danger very considerably de- 
creases in the semi-arid country. Some dairymen claim 
that in these areas the danger is entirely eliminated, a 
claim which though apparently correct in many instances, 
is not to be too implicitly relied on. When alfalfa is 
grown in conjunction with one or more of the grasses, 
this danger is not much present. Although rape pasture 
is excellent for milk production, it is not wise to pasture 
cows on it for producing milk, as it will taint the milk. 
The same is true of turnip and rutabaga tops, but it is 
not true of sugar beet tops. These may be profitably dis- 
posed of in that way, until the weather becomes too cold 
for such outdoor feeding. 



32 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

FEEDING SOILING FOODS 

The cutting of grains for soiling food should begin 
when they come into head, as a rule, and may continue 
until they are nearly ripe. Feeding them as soiling food 
at a later stage of growth would not serve the purpose so 
well, because of the less succulence then possessed by 
them. About the same things may be said about the cut- 
ting of the grasses. The cutting of millet may begin 
when any considerable number of the advance heads are 
out, and may continue until the grain in the former is 
fully formed. The cutting of clovers and alfalfa may be- 
gin when the first blooms appear, and may be continued 
until some of the heads show sign of ripening. The cut- 
ting of clovers and vetches may begin when the first 
blooms appear, and continued until the remaining blooms 
are found only on a portion of the top of the stem. The 
cutting of these may begin earlier, but at such a stage the 
bulk produced will be too little. From what has been 
said, it will be very evident that the period for feeding 
each of these will be short, save in the case of alfalfa, but 
it may be lengthened by sowing such of them as can be 
sown thus at intervals. Where the area of the alfalfa is 
sufficient, it alone may be made to provide soiling through 
nearly all the season, by cutting as many crops in succes- 
sion as the soil will produce. Where irrigation is prac- 
ticed, enormous crops of soiling food may be thus ob- 
tained in one season. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 33 

Such soiling food is fed by cutting it with scythe, 
mower or reaper from day to day, and feeding it out in 
mangers or in racks, or in some instances on the grass. 
This means that it is to be drawn daily, should the weath- 
er be showery, however, it may be well to draw enough 
at once at such times, as may last for two or three days. 
It may be fed once or twice a day, according to the needs 
of the animals. 

The cutting of corn may begin as soon as it is in full 
tassel, and may continue until the crop is fully matured. 
Corn may be drawn and fed in the same way as the fod- 
ders mentioned above, but is very frequently strewn over 
a grass field on which the cows may be grazing, varying 
the place each day on which the food is to be fed. By 
growing earlier or later varieties, or by varying the time 
of planting, the season of feeding corn may be much pro- 
longed. It .is usually wise also to have enough of this 
crop on hand to justify continuing to feed it thus in the 
mature form from the shock, as it feeds well along with 
the fresh grass started by the autumnal rains in the pas- 
tures. 

Sorghum may be grown in practically the same way 
as corn and also fed in the same way, especially in areas 
that lie well northward. In the Southern States two and 
sometimes three cuttings of sorghum may be obtained in 
one season for such a use. It is better to let the sorghum 



34 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

get well grown before beginning to cut it, that is to say, 
is has more nutriment at an advanced stage than earlier, 
sorghum is sometimes grown broadcast for such feeding, 
and is cut with the mower, put up into heaps or cocks, and 
is fed from these during the autumn. Another way 
is to grow it in rows like corn, to cut it with the binder, 
stand it up in shocks and then feed it out as outlined 
above. 

THE SII,0 IN THE DAIRY 

Where corn, sorghum and in some instances the non- 
saccharine sorghums, can be grown readily, the silo is 
simply indispensable in dairying. In no other way can 
succulent fodder be provided so cheaply, and in no other 
way can it be provided in a form more suitable. 

Many crops can be siloed successfully. In fact, al- 
most any crop can be kept safely in the silo if put in in 
the right way, but after all it would not be stating it 
much overstrong to say, that corn is virtually the one silo 
crop. Nearly all other crops may be cured and fed in that 
form even more cheaply, than in the form of ensilage. 

In the evolution of silo building, two styles only 
seem likely to survive. One is the roundstave silo and the 
other is the round cement silo. Which of these should 
be preferred ought to be determined by the relative cost 
of the material in proportion to the duration of the struc- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 35 

ture. The cement, sometimes called the concrete silo, is 
the most enduring by far. But when building it, every 
care should be taken to have the walls true within, to in- 
sure regular and even settling of the ensilage. The silo 
should not be sunk far down into the ground as a rule, 
because of the increased labor that will be involved in get- 
ting out the ensilage. It should run far upward. Twenty 
feet should be regarded as the minimum height suitable, 
and say thirty feet as the maximum. The silo may be 
made of any width, but usually should not be wider than 
twenty feet. When too wide the exposed silo on the top 
of the mow will dry out too much, because of too pro- 
longed exposure. It is much better to have two silos, each 
being of reasonable widths, than to have one unduly wide. 
The silo should be placed conveniently for feeding from 
it. To promote such an end it should be within the stable 
where practicable. The danger of the silage freezing is 
also lessened when the silo is thus located. The size to 
build can easily be determined, if it is remembered that a 
cubic foot of silage weighs about forty-five pounds. 

In filling the silo, by all means run the corn through 
a cutting box, and elevate it into the silo by a blower at- 
tachment. Have it evenly spread and well tramped in 
the silo. No sooner has the silo been filled than feeding 
may begin should this be desired. Corn may be grown 
for the silo as it is grown for the grain, or it may be 



36 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

grown in drills as it is usually grown when fodder is the 
chief object sought. It is best put into the silo at the 
glazing stage but may also be put into the same earlier 
or later if done in the right way. 

The feeding of silage is always begun from the top. 
It is thrown down into the feed cart or alley through 
openings made in the side of the silo at suitable distances, 
when building it. It furnishes excellent food for horses, 
cattle and sheep when properly fed. It should never be 
fed as the sole food to any kind of stock for a prolonged 
period, as certain hazards attend such feeding. It should 
be fed with caution to horses at work, as it will purge 
them. To dairy cows it may be fed freely for prolonged 
periods, and to the amount of not less than thirty to forty 
pounds a day. 

No summer food is more suitable for dairy cows 
than ensilage. Cows may be brought in from the pas- 
tures when succulent, and yet they will eat ensilage greed- 
ily when it is fed to them. Consequently when there is 
on hand an ample supply of such food for summer feed- 
ing, it may not be necessary to grow any other form of 
soiling food. Silos for summer use should be small 
rather than large, as the amounts of food called for in 
summer are not so large usually as those fed in winter, 
since they are supplemental in character. Far too little in- 
terest is taken in furnishing this class of food. 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 3*7 
DAIRY STABLES 




DAIRY BARN 



In a work of this nature it is impossible to go into 
minute details regarding stable construction, but a few 
general principles may be submitted which should be 
borne in mind when building stables : 



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mows fmm 



YARO 



710HD 



ll l l lllllllll ll 



(ovvs 



Ft tO TROUGH 



OUTtR 
YARO 



STABLt 



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SICK 
COWS 



STABI^K. PEN AND YARD 



38 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



i. The aim should be to store food and litter to the 
greatest extent practicable in the loft above the stable, so 
that both may be easily supplied and in good condition, 
in all kinds of weather. This means that the structure 
will be on something of the basement plan. 

2. The aim should be to have the floors of cement, 
as wooden floors cannot be kept from imbibing hurtful 
odors. If such floors should be considered cold, a layer 
of boards may be laid over the floor of the stall. 

3. All the internal fittings of the stable should be 
simple, to keep down the cost, and for the further reason 
that they are also the most effective usually. These fit- 
tings should consist of wood to the least extent consistent 
with effectiveness, as metal fittings can be more effec- 
tively cleaned. 



=Xllllllllll 



YARD 

•TAUI »rt ,om « |>! 
MSTITUN HimiM STAlt* *»t • 
-j_ § MONT or into »f» »IN MICH. 

wr<otn ttrr. 



10 — 

TTTTTTTTTT 




COW SHED 

4. While any kinds of stalls are used, there is none 
perhaps that is more effective, all things considered, than 
the stall which is about 3^2 feet wide, from centre to 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 39 

centre for medium sized cows, that has separations form- 
ed by a pole or scantling, the lower end of which rests 
on the floor just in front of the drop, and the upper end 
is fastened about as high as the head of the cow, and that 
has swing stanchions in the centre for holding the cow in 
place. 

5. The mangers should be quite low and narrower 
below than above, nor do they need to be large. The stall 
floor should slant a little from the manger toward the 
drop, and the length from the base of the manger back- 
ward should be from 4^ to 5 feet according to the length 
of the cow. 

6. The feed alleys are often made along the walls of 
the building and are about 5 feet wide. This allows for 
two rows of cows standing tail to tail along the building 
with a passage between wide enough for the removal of 
the droppings without inconvenience. Such an arrange- 
ment can be made in good form in a building that is about 
28 feet wide. 




HORSE AND COW STABLE AND POULTRY SHED 



40 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

7. The drop at the rear should be, say, 8 to 10 inches 
deep and 12 or more wide, so that a shovel can be con- 
veniently used in it in removing the manure. It may be 
conveyed away in barrows, on a sled or in carriers. If 
the latter can be made to dump it into a wagon for further 
removal to the fields, the arrangement should prove so 
much the more satisfactory. 

8. Where cut food is fed, a feed cart is indispensable 
in conveying the same from manger to manger, and the 
same is true of feeding the meal. The dimensions of the 
same will be dependent upon the amount of the feeding 
to be done. 




cheap staia 
9. To keep down odors, various substances have been 
used. In some instances dry earth is strewn in the gut- 
ters in order to absorb the liquids in the manure. In other 
instances plaster of Paris is dusted over the floors, and in 
yet other instances, powdered phosphate rock is used. All 
these absorb ammonia that would otherwise escape. 
Where the floors can be flooded with water readily, it may 
not be so necessary to use these absorbents. Pratts Dip 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 41 

and Disinfectant will be found an inexpensive and thor- 
ough deodorizer. Where milk is to be kept pure and 
sweet, too much care cannot be exercised in adopting 
every means that will conduce to such a result. It is the 
high class product that brings the high price. 




open cow shed 

FACTS RELATING TO MILKING 

The aim should be to milk the cows in a clean and 
comfortable place. It should be clean first, for the com- 
fort of the milker, second for the comfort of the cows, and 
third because of the great tendency in milk to imbibe odors 
from the surroundings. It would not be putting it too 
strongly to say, that milk drawn from cows amid un- 
clean surroundings cannot furnish a really first class dairy 
product. 

The place should be comfortable, that is, should not 
be too cold or too hot. In winter it should be shielded 
from cold winds and drafts. In summer it should be pro- 
tected from excessive sunshine and flies. Uncomfortable 



42 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

conditions makes the cows more restive, and adds much 
to the discomfort of milking. All things considered, there 
is no better place for milking cows than when they are in 
their accustomed place in the stable. This applies about 
equally summer and winter. 

Milking should be done at a regular hour, whatever 
that hour is should be regularly and rigidly adhered to. 
Any irregularity will certainly be followed by more or 
less of shrinkage in the milk flow. It is not so important 
what the hours are for milking so that the milking shall 
be done at the appointed time. But the aim should be to 
divide the time for milking so that the two milking points 
in the twenty- four hours of the day shall be equally dis- 
tant. This will prevent the cows from becoming unduly 
burdened in seasons of free milk flow, by causing them 
to carry in their udders milk materials that will add to 
their discomfort. 

The cows should not be agitated before or during 
the time of milking. Such agitation may result before 
milking, from chasing with a dog, from too fast driving 
from the pastures in front of a horse, or as a result of 
threatening language or abuse from those engaged in 
milking. Agitation from any of these sources will assur- 
edly exact its penalty. That penalty is a reduced milk 
flow. Agitation caused by fast driving from the pastures 
may be without design on the part of the owner or the 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 43 

persons who may cause it, but agitation caused by cruel 
treatment on the part of the milker, is without excuse. 
The man who causes such agitation is more of a brute 
than the cow he is milking. 

The milking may be done by men or women, by boys 
or girls, by the owners of the cows or by hired help. Long 
years ago the milking was done almost entirely by the 
women of the farm. This practice in the United States is 
now becoming almost obsolete, and it would seem to be 
unfortunate that it is so. Women will get more milk 
from cows, as a rule, than men, and the work itself is not 
undignified or unduly laborious. The mothers who 
chiefly milked the cows of a former generation were also 
the mothers who reared families who proved a blessing 
to the nation. 

Viewed from the standpoint of utility, the ability to 
milk well would seem to be a greater accomplishment for 
the maiden of the farm than to play well at the piano. In 
any event it should not seem undignified for any farm 
maiden to aid the household by assisting in this work. 

The dislike to milking so often shown by farm hands 
is peculiarly unfortunate for the dairy interest. It is also 
indefensible providing the work called for, is within the 
lawful hours of work, as milking cows is one of the most 
important items of work on the dairy farm. 

The difficulty in finding satisfactory milkers is stimu- 



44 PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

lating effort to furnish machines that will do the work 
satisfactory. Some of these are at least fairly satisfac- 
tory. But it has not been proved beyond the possibility 
of dispute, that time is saved to any considerable extent 
by their use, or that they have proved money-saving in 
a marked degree. The most that can be said in their 
favor now is, that their existence has tended to relax 
somewhat the tension of the difficulty attending the se- 
curing of milkers. In one respect hand milking will have 
the advantage over them. It is this, the creating of a bond 
or recognition between the good kind milker and the cow, 
that is favorable to milk elaboration. 

THE ACT OF MILKING 

Milking should not be done in a dusty place. To 
avoid such a condition the feeding of fodder should not 
immediately precede the withdrawing of the milk, nor 
should any shaking of the bedding be attempted at such a 
time. There would be the same objection to feeding dry 
meal at such a time. 

It is important that the udders and teats shall be 
wiped off with a damp cloth before the milking begins. 
This will tend much to keep extraneous matter out of the 
milk. In some instances a brush is used on the thighs of 
the cows and and rear parts generally before the wiping 
of the udders, but if this is done it ought to be done some 
time before milking. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 46 

When the milk is withdrawn it should be so with- 
drawn with reasonable quickness, and the udder should 
be relieved of all its milk at one sitting. The aim should 
be to withdraw it by grasping the teat in the whole hand, 
rather than by stripping, as the manipulation thus result- 
ing is favorable to quick elaboration of milk in the udder. 
But stripping only can be resorted to when the teats are 
unduly short and small. 




MILKING BUCKET 

Some cows do not readily let down their milk. To 
take it from them is a labored work and can only be done 
by a strong hand. The primary causes of this condition 
are not very well understood. It is generally believed, 
however, that this property is transmissible, and, there- 
fore, that such cows should not be bred from to produce 
dairy stock. Other, cows have teats abnormally large. 
None but a large hand can grasp them. Such cows should 
be discarded even though they should be good producers. 



46 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

HANDLING THE MILK 

The method to be followed in handling the milk will 
depend almost entirely on the use that is to be made of it. 
Aeration is sometimes practiced, but in many instances 
this is not done. When the cream is sent to the factory 
the separation is usually made at home. When the milk 
is made into cheese it is sent directly to the factory. 
When made into butter at home the milk is of course set 
in pans, in some instances deep and in some instances 
shallow. 

The aim should be to transfer the manufacture of the 
product to the greatest extent practicable from the home 
to the factory. Such a course is labor saving. It saves 
the members of the household very much of exacting 
work, and the profits to the farmer dairyman are usually 
as great, if not greater, than can be obtained from manu- 
facturing at home. 

When the cream is made into butter at the cream- 
ery, the separation of the cream takes place or should take 
place as soon as this can be done after milking. This 
work is best done in a milk room not distant from the 
stable. In fact, if properly constructed, it may be under 
the same roof. The cream should be sent to the creamery 
daily, if this is practicable. 

This method of handling milk is attended with sev- 
eral distinct advantages. It obviates the necessity of set- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 47 

ting and churning. It furnishes the skim milk in finest 
form for feeding calves and swine, and before it has lost 
all of the natural heat. It transfers responsibility for a 
good butter product very largely to the creamery. 




FOR SHIPPING MII,K 

When the milk is sent to the cheese factory, the skim 
milk obtained therefrom must be brought back if it is to 
be fed on the farm. The feeding of this product is much 
less satisfactory than the feeding the same fresh from 




GI,ASS CANS 



48 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



the cream separator. This means that it is much more 
difficult to raise good calves when milk is sent to the 
cheese factory than when it is sent to the creamery. But 
the dairyman may get his compensation in some instances 
from the relatively larger return obtained for cheese. 

When the work is all done at home, while it may be 
possible to make as good and even better butter than can 
be made at the factory, in very many instances the prod- 
uct is below par. Because of this fact, home-made butter 
has suffered greatly in the house of its friends. 

HANDLING THE PRODUCT AT HOME 

When the milk is handled at home, the setting of the 
milk may be deep or shallow. It must be kept in a cool 
and clean place, and well aired. 






SUB CELLAR 



SE^A 



OUTSIDE MILK HOUSE 



The cream is removed and collected until the quan- 
tity is sufficient for a churning. The normal temperature 
is from 40 to 50 degrees. The ripening of the cream for 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 49 

churning is brought about by artificial heat. It is raised 
to a temperature of about 70 degrees, and this may be ac- 
complished by setting the cream can in hot water. In 
winter the temperature of the cream for churning may be 
as high as 65 degrees and in summer as low as 55 degrees. 




CHURN 

MOTION OF CHURNS 



A barrel churn is the most suitable for home churn- 
ing. The cream in the same should not be much more 
than half the capacity of the churn. This facilitates quick 
churning, because of the greater agitation of the cream 
results. The time called for in churning is ordinarily not 
more than 30 to 45 minutes. Then churning should cease 



50 PRATT S POINT MRS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

when the butter granules are about the size of buckshot. 
The buttermilk is then drawn off by using water about 
similar in temperature. Turn slowly for a few times and 



*Tk 




MII,K HOUSE 

draw off the water. Wash or rinse a second time. Re- 
move the butter to a worker, add some kind of good dairy 
salt, work it lightly and then leave it for 30 minutes. 
Work a second time and it is ready for being put up into 
pound prints for the market. These are wrapped in suit- 
able butter paper and it is ready for being shipped. 

MISCELLANEOUS FACTS 

Water Supply 

The water supply for dairy cows is a question of 
much significance. In the summer season it is easy when 
springs and brooks or streams run through the pastures. 
It is different where water congregates in stagnant ponds 
in the pastures in the summer season. It is not possible 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 61 

for cows dependent on such a water supply to furnish 
milk of the purest and the best. 

When water is furnished from wells the troughs 
should be kept clean, and mire and filth should not be al- 
lowed to accumulate about the water troughs and for 
various reasons, when water is supplied in a tank out of 
doors in cold weather, it is very important that it shall be 
heated in some way. There are heaters of course which 
may be obtained for this purpose. If cows come out of 
a comfortable stable and drink such water, the chill that 
follows will result in a lessened milk flow. If the cows 
have to journey some distance and then drink ice cold 
water, the condition is even worse. If the water can be 
supplied to the cows in the stall, the plan is a good one, 
providing the vessels into which the water flows auto- 
matically can be kept clean. One of the best methods of 
providing water is in a tank to which the cows may have 
free access when they are taking exercise in a covered 
shed, referred to below. In any event it is absolutely es- 
sential for cows in milk to have plenty of water, and that 
the same shall be pure. 

Winter Exercise 

The question of exercise in summer is easy, espe- 
cially when the cows have access to pastures. They then 
take exercise at will. But it is different in winter. Some 
have argued that cows may be kept all the winter through 



62 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

in well ordered stables, without once letting them out and 
without detriment to the cows. A few claim to have done 
this without harmful results, but the great majority dis- 
approve of the plan. 

Cows should have some exercise in winter. How to 
secure this for them without detriment to the milk flow 
may not be at all times easy. The most convenient place 
for exercising them in winter is in a yard, usually what 
is known as the barnyard. If the yard is well sheltered, 
it may answer the purpose fairly well, but in cold days the 
cows ought not to be left out very long at a time, or the 
milk flow will go down. An improvement on the above 
is a shed, which may be opened or closed in front. The 
cows when dehorned, may be turned loose into this, 
where they may remain for two or more hours. The 
shed should have in it a rack in which fodder may be fed. 

The Bull 

The case of the bull is a question of much signifi- 
cance. The fact should never be lost sight of that bulls 
of all classes of live stock are never to be implicitly 
trusted. This is especially true of dairy bulls, because of 
the extent to which the high nervous temperament is de- 
veloped in them. Because of this, they should not be al- 
lowed to run with the cows at full liberty, as it can never 
be known when they will attempt to put in their deadly 
work, nor should there be any carelessness on the part of 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 53 

attendants who care for them at any time. Whenever 
handled, it should be with the aid of a good strong brad, 
that is, a good strong staff with a snap at the end, which 
hooks into the ring which should always be in the nose 
of a bull after he has reached the age of one year. Nor 
should bulls be allowed to run with cows for the further 
reason, that at the time of service, they waste their ener- 
gies to no purpose. Where the herd of cows is large, this 
waste of energy may react to the great injury of the bull. 
The ideal quarters for a bull are those which give him 
ample liberty of exercise in a paddock which should be 
conveniently located with reference to the stable in which 
he is kept. 

Ice Supply 

The dairymen cannot get along save in exceptional 
instances without a supply of ice. It is necessary to en- 
able him to keep milk or cream at the proper temperature 
in time of warm weather. The ice supply should of 
course be laid in as far as this may be practicable at that 
season of the year when it is most easily obtainable. So 
indispensable is ice to the dairyman, that the necessity for 
providing it is not much less than the necessity for pro- 
viding food for his cows. Of course, where ice has to be 
made by artifical means it is different. The ice supply 
may then be obtained as the ice is needed. 



54 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



Salt 

While salt is not in any sense a food, it is indispensa- 
ble to highest production in a dairy cow. The exact way 
in which such an influence is exerted is not well under- 
stood, but the fact cannot be gainsaid that salt fed ju- 
diciously does tend not only to keep the cows in a finer 
condition of bloom, but it also tends to some increase in 
the butter product. In the summer season salt may be 
kept in the field, but protected from rain. In the stables 
it may be kept in a small box fastened at the side of the 
manger. Another way is to mix it with the food judi- 
ciously every day, or at each feeding. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON 
GROWING BKEK 



CHAPTER II. 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 

At the present time the production of dairy products 
in the United States is much more profitable than the pro- 
duction of beef on the arable farm. This, however, may 
change with the passing of the years. In the past, beef 
could be produced very cheaply on the ranges. With 
the gradual passing of the ranges, beef will be grown 
more and more on the arable farm. This will mean, first, 
that the breaking up of much of the range will so reduce 
the supply of beef, that the price will advance, and, sec- 
ond, that this advance in price will centre attention more 
on the production of beef from the arable farm. This 
advance in price, which is sure to come, will tend more 
and more to equalize the profits from dairy products and 
from beef products, respectively on the arable farm. 

(55) 



56 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

THE FUTURE SOURCES OP SUPPLY 

The future sources of beef supply will be obtained, 
first, from straight dairy cows ; second, from straight beef 
cows; third, from dual purpose cows, and, fourth, from 
range stocks. These are increasingly important in the 
order named. Beef obtained from the first three sources 
will be grown on range pastures, and on farm pastures 
that are too rugged for tillage. By the straight dairy 
cow is meant a cow that is milked during the period of 
lactation, and that is kept mainly for such a use. By the 
straight beef cow is meant a cow of beef conformation 
that suckles her own calves. By the dual cow is meant a 
cow that is kept for the purpose of producing milk in 
the dairy and of furnishing calves that can be grown into 
beef. Range cattle are or ought to be essentially of the 
beef type. 

BEEF FROM DAIRY COWS 

Beef may be grown from dairy cows, but the beef 
thus grown will not bring the same profit as that grown 
from cows of the other classes. This is not so much be- 
cause of slower increase for the food fed, as because of 
the lower price which such meat sells for in the market. 
The difference in price increases as the animals become 
older, hence, when beef is furnished by animals of the 
dairy breeds, these should be marketed at an early age. 
Young beeves from Ayrshire, Guernsey and Jersey 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 57 

breeds should be marketed at an age not exceeding say 
12 or 15 months, if the greatest profit is to be realized 
from them. Those from Holstein or Brown Swiss cattle 
may be grown to the age of 24 months, but will probably 
bring more relative profit when sold under 18 months, as 
beyond that age more of coarseness is developed. Cattle 
for beef may also be obtained from dairy cows by mating 
high-class bulls of one of the beef breeds with straight 
dairy cows. The progeny of these are fairly well adapted 
to the production of beef and may frequently be kept 
with profit until 24 months old, but may also be sold at 
a younger age, should this be desired. 

All of these will be grown essentially on skim 
milk and adjuncts during the milk period. The food 
and treatment for these during the milk period will be 
essentially the same as for hand-reared dairy calves 
with the difference that more meal that is carbonaceous 
in character will be fed. Both corn meal and oil meal 
should be freely fed, with a view to maintaining good flesh 
from the first. A mixture of equal parts by weight of 
ground corn and ground oats will make a good meal 
ration, both during the milk period and subsequently and 
it will be much improved by adding from 5 to 10 per cent, 
of oilcake. The meal ration should continue until the ani- 
mals are sold. When they are on good, juicy pastures 
a less amount of meal will suffice than at other times. 
Several weeks before marketing the proportion of the 



58 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

meal for fattening should be increased. When sold at the 
ages named and in good finish the beef usually sells for 
a good price, but should they become older than the 
ages named, the indications of increasing coarseness be- 
come more apparent and the cut in the relative prices 
paid is more and more pronounced. 

Of course it is only permissible to use beef sires as 
indicated when the progeny are not to be retained for 
dairy uses. With pure bred cows such breeding would 
not be permissible, but with grade dairy cows the place 
for the same may be one of considerable importance. 

BEEF FROM BEEF COWS 

When beef is produced by cows kept solely for such 
a use, they are maintained usually on the range or on 
farms where the pastures are extensive, the finishing in 
both instances being done on farms that produce abundant 
supplies of food, especially such fattening foods as corn. 
In some instances, however, such cows are kept where 
the conditions of farming are intensive. In any case the 
calves are reared on the dams during the milk period. 

When the animals are grown on pasture and winter 
fodders, they do not become sufficiently matured to take 
the market in best form until at least three years old and 
in some instances not until four years. Before they can 
take the market in best form, they must be put into the 
feed lot or stall. But when grown under intensive con- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEBP AND HOGS 59 

ditions, they can be made to take the market in good form 
between the ages of say 18 and 30 months. To accom- 
plish this, they must be given all the food that they will 
eat and suitable in kind, from the day of birth until they 
are shipped to the market. 

The dams which furnish this class of beef may be 
of any grade or admixture of blood, providing such blood 
comes essentially from one or more of the beef breeds. 
The shorthorn breeds are of best size. The Hereford 
grades are excellent grazers on the range. The Aber- 
deen Polls furnish a very high quality of beef, and the 
Galloways are great rustlers and are very hardy. On 
the arable farm the best results will be obtained from 
grades that are nearly pure in blood. Such high grading 
is not so essential in cows on the range which are less 
pampered. 

Usually when beef is grown on the arable farm, it is 
the better plan to have the calves come in the autumn or 
early winter. This will hold true of calves produced by 
dairy, beef or dual cows. The calves can then be better 
cared for during the milk period, they will do better rela- 
tively on pasture the first summer, and they will also 
winter more satisfactorily after the first summer. But 
on the range it is not practicable to have calves come at 
any other time than in the spring. 

When beef is grown under intensive conditions from 
this class of cows, the calves are more commonly kept in 






60 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

box stalls in which they are loose. In these they are 
graded so that those of approximately the same age will 
be together. They are allowed to suck the cows three 
times a day at first, twice a day when older and toward 
the end of the milk period once a day. They are thus 
suckled until about six months old. The cow is dry the 
remaining six months of the year. If the calf cannot take 
all the milk from the cow for a time, what remains in 
the udder should be milked out once or twice a day in 
order to stimulate milk production to the utmost. 

Meal should be furnished to the calves as soon as 
they will take it. Oats should furnish a part of this meal, 
bran another part, and some carbonaceous meal another; 
oil meal should also be given. The following mixture 
will be very suitable: Bran, 2; oats, 4; corn or barley, 
3, and oil cake, 1 part. These proportions relate to weight 
rather than bulk. Of this the calves may be allowed to 
eat at will until at least four months old, after which it 
may be necessary to place some restrictions on the amount 
of meal fed. They should also be fed a liberal supply 
of sliced field roots and good fine and well cured fodder. 
Water should be kept in the stall. 

Such calves will be weaned about the time that grass 
becomes plentiful. When on grass 2 to 3 pounds of meal 
fed daily will sustain continuous development. As the 
pastures dry, the meal may be increased. When brought 
into winter quarters the meal may be still further in- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEBP AND HOGS 61 

creased until so much as 8 pounds may be given daily 
during the last months of the feeding. The calves would 
then be ready to turn off as baby beef at 18 months. But 
if desired to carry them until 24 or to 30 months, a less 
amount of meal would be fed. But the fact should not 
be overlooked that to make highest profit from such ani- 
mals they must be kept pushing on from birth until ready 
for the market. The profit from such a line of work 
comes from the early age at which the animals are fin- 
ished and the high price which such meat brings on the 
market. 

The objection to growing meat thus is that it does 
not bring so much of a return as is obtained from milk 
at present prices, but it does not involve so much or so 
exacting labor. 

A calf thus reared will weigh say 800 pounds at 
12 months, at 24 months it will weigh say 1200 pounds. 
These weights are conservative and may be taken as 
averages from good feeding. At 6 cents a pound, live 
weight, such an animal would bring $72.00 at 24 months, 
at 7 cents it would bring $84.00, and at 8 cents it would 
bring $96.00. For question of profit, therefore, hinges 
largely on the price paid for the meat. If the cows can 
be milked, however, and if calves from them can be 
reared nearly as good, though not quite so good, then 
another profit comes in from the milk. That this can be 
done from dual cows is shown below. 



62 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

When calves are thus reared on the dam, it is pos- 
sible to rear three good calves on one cow, providing the 
calves can be obtained when of suitable age. When the 
cow is fresh she suckles her own calf and another until 
the two are about 4 months old. Then a third calf is 
put upon the cow and is allowed to nurse until the same 
age has been reached. Any deficiency in the milk supply 
may be made up by supplemental feeding. The profit 
obtained from a cow managed thus may be greatly in- 
creased. The weak point about the arrangement is that 
it may be difficult to get suitable calves. 

BEEF FROM DUAI, COWS 

Much of the beef grown in the future from the 
arable farm will come from what may be termed dual 
purpose cows. These will furnish a goodly supply of 
milk, not so much it may be as a good dairy cow, and a 
goodly supply of meat, not quite so much and not quite 
so good as from a straight beef cow, but good in both 
respects. The best dual cattle come from Shorthorns of 
the milking strains, and from Red Polls. The Brown 
Swiss, classed by the breeders as dairy, are undoubtedly 
dual purpose with their large frames and heavy hams. 

The calves from these cows are reared by hand on 
separated milk. The method of rearing is the same as 
that outlined for dairy calves with the difference that 
the dual calves are given a larger percentage of car- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 63 

bonaceous meal. After tbe milk period they are managed 
on essentially the same lines as calves from the beef 
breeds, as given above. They will weigh nearly if not 
quite as much as the latter when 24 months old, but the 
finish may not be quite as high, nor the price obtained 
quite so good. It will not be much below that obtained 
for the other, however. 

FATTENING BEEF FROM PASTURES 

In some instances cattle grown essentially on pasture 
are sold from the pastures, but very frequently they are 
fed for a period of 3 to 6 months in feed lots before they 
are sold. The quality of the meat is thus improved. 
The profit from such feeding is dependent in a marked 
degree on the breeding of the animals, on the relative 
prices of food and meat, and on the relative buying and 
selling value when the animals are bought for feeding. 
The breeding of the animals should be such as to give 
them good beef form. When foods are dear, much cau- 
tion must be exercised as to the choice of the same and 
as to the quantities fed. There should usually be the 
advance of 1 to 2 cents a pound on the selling over the 
buying price in order to insure a good profit. 

The younger the age at which the stockers for feed- 
ing can be purchased, the more rapidly will they gain as 
a rule. Increase becomes slower as the birth period is 
receded from. The older that an animal becomes in order 
to reach a certain weight, the more the food that is con- 



64 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

sumed. The food of maintenance without any growth is 
about half the entire amount of food consumed. From 
the above the wisdom of pushing animals on rapidly from 
birth will be at once apparent. But when cattle are grown 
chiefly on pastures such haste is not possible. 

When the animals are put into the feed lot, the grain 
portion of the food should be moderate and not highly 
concentrated. A few pounds of oats and bran are ex- 
cellent to begin with. Corn is added gradually until half 
the ration by weight is corn, and later half the ration in 
bulk may be corn. When all is going well even more than 
that proportion may be corn. Barley or barley and rye 
may take the place of corn, but if so these must be ground. 
During several weeks of the feeding period, toward the 
last, i to 2 pounds of oilcake fed daily will keep the ani- 
mals in tone, that is it will help digestion. 

The amount of grain to feed will depend largely on 
the kind of fodder fed. When really good clover hay 
and alfalfa are fed, not more than 6 to 7 pounds of grain 
on the average may be called for daily for animals weigh- 
ing 1000 pounds, but when such fodder as the grasses, 
corn stover or sorghum are fed, nearly twice as much 
grain may be called for. 

An ideal ration would be the following : 30 pounds 
of good corn ensilage daily, say 8 to 10 pounds of barley 
meal or corn and ground oats or bran, in the proportions 
of say 2 and 1 parts respectively by weight. The balance 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 65 

would be clover or alfalfa fodder. In the absence of 
ensilage, field roots will serve an admirable purpose. 

In some instances cattle are fattened mainly on corn 
in one or the other of its forms, the feeders giving as much 
as 1 8 to 28 pounds of corn per animal per day. Swine 
follow in such instances and glean amid the droppings, 
but such feeding, though commendable when corn was 
very cheap will not answer now. More fodder must now 
be used and less grain, as the fodder is cheaper relatively. 

Animals that are being fattened do not of necessity 
call for close housing. The protection of a shed and good 
yard shielded from the wind will answer quite well. But 
the animals must be dehorned. They should be given 
ample bedding and a plentiful supply of water, separate 
mangers are not really essential. This method of fat- 
tening is greatly labor saving as compared with fattening 
in the stall. 

In localities where commercial fertilizers must be 
bought in large quantities the question of feeding for beef 
in the winter season should be given careful considera- 
tion. When much of the food is raised on the farm and 
the animals fed are carefully purchased and sold and 
wisely fed, the feeder should get his fertilizer to the good. 
And in many instances, though not in all, should have 
more or less profit. If the animals are reared on the farm 
usually the profits should be greater. 



6G PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

N OT E} 
READ THIS CAREFULLY. 

In treating on diseases, we have endeavored in all 
cases to give, in our judgment, the very best remedies, 
and where our own products are named we consider them 
the best for the case, and in our actual practice we should 
use them and no other. We manufacture the following 
well-known remedies for cows, sheep and hogs : Pratts 
Animal Regulator, Pratts Condition Powder, Pratts Cow 
Tonic, Pratts Calf Tonic and Pratts Hog Cholera Spe- 
cific, Pratts Bag Ointment, Pratts Dip and Disinfectant. 

At the same time, as this book is intended to be a 
standard work of general information upon cows, sheep 
and hogs, we specify other remedies in addition to our 
own, preferring to give other information in our posses- 
sion, thereby allowing the reader the choice of remedies. 

We feel it advisable to specially mention that all our 
preparations are known as the greatest Animal Regulators 
of the present day, strictly up to date and used and en- 
dorsed by prominent breeders and veterinarians through- 
out the United States and foreign countries. 

Every package is sold under our affidavit, guarantee- 
ing its freeness from poisons or other injurious ingredi- 
ents and with the guarantee of "satisfaction, or money 
back. ,, The ingredients are pure and wholesome, and 
can be used without the least fear of bad results that often 
follow many unreliable remedies for live stock. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 67 

Pratts Regulators control and regulate the blood, 
bowels and digestive organs ; act as mild tonics and stim- 
ulants, and thereby cure and prevent the many diseases 
arising from these causes, and are used with greater suc- 
cess than any known preparation. 

They are composed of pure medicinal roots, herbs 
and barks of the best quality only, and manufactured with 
the greatest care and exactness, the utmost cleanliness be- 
ing observed. 

They are quick in action, safe to use and high-grade 
in every particular. 

In mixing them with the feed, at first it may be well 
to dampen the feed. When fed dry, however, be careful 
to see that our remedies do not sift through the feed and 
lie uneaten at the bottom of the trough. After the ani- 
mals become acquainted with the flavor, they are eaten 
with a relish. 

In all cases where the animal is too sick to eat make 
a gruel of Pratts Remedies, by mixing with warm water, 
and pour down the throat ; where quick movement of the 
bowels is necessary, they can be given in large doses at 
first, then gradually reduce size and lengthen time between 
the doses, and as the animal recovers mix with the regular 
feed and discontinue the gruel. After the necessary move- 
ment of the bowels (in cases of sick animals), the quan- 
tity should be reduced to the amount necessary to keep 
the bowels natural and regular. The gruel form of feed- 



68 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEBP AND HOGS 

ing is only required : first, when the animal needs prompt 
action of the bowels ; second, when the animal is too sick 
to eat; or third, when the condition of the animal requires 
prompt or more than ordinary treatment. In all other 
cases, Pratts Remedies should be fed by mixing them 
with the regular feed. 

The reg'tilar use of our preparations keeps live stock 
in such excellent condition that they are not liable to dis- 
ease. Many dairies are kept entirely free from all sick- 
ness by their constant use. Their equal is unknown for 
standing bulls and stallions, and more than pays for the 
cost many times over. Oxen are healthy and grow 
larger ; their meat is finer flavored. Calves grow quickly, 
robust and healthy. Swine are kept free from the com- 
mon ailments and can be raised with much profit when 
Pratts Remedies are used. They prevent and positively 
cure hog cholera, except in its last stages. Sheep fed on 
Pratts Remedies pay largely. Lambs are strong and free 
from disease. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 60 
DISEASES OK COWS 



CHAPTER III. 



THE DAIRY COW 

The cow is a hearty, healthy animal, and if properly 
fed and cared for, is subject to very little sickness. The 
dairy cow, when fed judiciously, will frequently last 
twenty years, but this cannot be expected if she suffers 
from neglect, carelessness or cruelty. The Jersey cow, 
while high-bred and valuable for her remarkable products 
of milk and butter, is more delicate than the ordinary 
dairy cow. Notwithstanding this, she is a favorite with 
the dairyman, and often purchased as the family cow. 
"Prevention is better than cure," and, therefore, the 
farmer should take the greatest care to avoid all existing 
or exciting causes of illness, and be quick to detect and 
prompt to remedy approaching trouble. A healthy ani- 
mal shows unmistakable signs of its condition — the eyes 
are bright, coat smooth, appetite good, breathing regular 
and milk given in full measure. The sick cow has more 
or less fever, failing appetite, hot and dry muzzle and 
rapid breathing. The soft eyes become dull, the hair 
rough and tight, and all these symptoms rapidly increase, 
becoming more marked, unless the cause is determined 
and relief obtained. Illness usually arises from overfeed- 



70 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ing, exposure and sudden cold, in which immediate action 
must be taken. Animals are patient and without com- 
plaint until sickness is firmly fixed upon them. Only 
constant vigilance of the farmer can keep the dairy herd 
in good condition. To do this is to his interest and profit. 

TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE 

Tuberculosis is a common germ disease that affects 
all domestic animals kept on the farm, but is by far the 
most frequent in cattle. It is similar to consumption 
in the human family. The germ which produces it, Ba- 
cillus tuberculosis, is always present in the system of in- 
fected animals. It may affect any organ or tissue of the 
body, but is more frequently found in the lungs and intes- 
tines. When the lungs are seriously affected, a chronic 
cough is likely to be present. When the intestines and 
mesenteric glands are seriously affected, chronic diar- 
rhoea is present. But the only assured diagnosis is that 
which is obtained by the tuberculin test. This dread dis- 
ease is the cause of more loss in cattle than all other dis- 
eases combined. As it is a communicable rather than a 
transmissible disease, preventive measures only are ef- 
fective. These consist, first of all, of removing all ani- 
mals shown to be infected by the tuberculin test, keeping 
the stables well ventilated, and rearing the calves on the 
milk of non-infected cows. The test should be applied 
twice a year at first, then once a year, and later less fre- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 71 

quently. When infected animals are removed thorough 
disinfection of the stables with Pratts Dip and Disin- 
fectant should follow. 

NON-CONTAGIOUS ABORTION IN COWS 

is caused by either of the following: High feeding, 
crowded space, smutty corn and ergoty pastures or acci- 
dental injuries. The last named cause is by far the most 
frequent. The cow which has aborted should, as a mat- 
ter of caution, be immediately removed from the rest of 
the herd. When a case of this kind occurs, it is well to 
give all the animals in the herd Pratts Animal Regulator. 
The sick animal should be fed on cooling food. If there 
are any signs of weakness in the other cows Pratts Ani- 
mal Regulator (in gruel form where necessary, if animal 
is too sick to eat) will give the animal strength. If the 
case is very serious, to relieve the animal of pain only, a 
small dose of laudanum may be administered. In ad- 
vanced stages, it may be necessary to remove the dead 
calf, for which a veterinarian should be called in. 

CONTAGIOUS ABORTION IN COWS 

Contagious abortion is a germ disease. It is caused 
by the action of living germs upon the uterus and pla- 
cental membranes. It may reach cows through contact 
of the genital organs with a fence, rubbing post, floor, or 
litter previously soiled by infected animals. It may also 
be conveyed to the uterus through service from a male 



72 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

that has previously served an infected cow. The indica- 
tions of abortion in advanced pregnancy include : Dullness 
and an inclination to remain aloof from the herd; a dis- 
charge of mucus from the vagina, which is enlarged; the 
enlargement of the udder and the presence of milk secre- 
tion in cows that are dry; and slight labor pains some 
hours before the foetus is expelled. This dread disease 
frequently lingers for two to three years. A cow that 
aborts should at once be removed from the herd and cared 
for by a separate attendant. The foetal membranes, if 
retained, should be at once removed by hand and they 
along with the foetus and bedding, burned or buried. 
After scraping the stall, disinfect thoroughly with Pratts 
Dip and Disinfectant. Give the entire herd Pratts Ani- 
mal Regulator daily as it will tend to prevent the disease 
from spreading. 

If the cow that has aborted is in weakened condition, 
administer Pratts Animal Regulator in gruel form. In 
serious cases, to relieve the pain, give a small dose of 
laudanum. 

MII,K FEVER IN COWS 

This disease affects cows only among domestic ani- 
mals. Its attacks are almost entirely confined to cows 
when giving birth to the third, fourth, fifth or sixth calf, 
that is, to cows whose energies have become centered on 
the production of maximum quantities of milk. One of 
the chief causes, therefore, is a plethoric condition of the 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 73 

system in cows of mature age and that are great pro- 
ducers of milk. The other predisposing causes include: 
Easy delivery; high temperatures in stables; a costive 
condition of the system,, and lack of exercise. Among the 
symptoms that indicate the approach of the disease are 
uneasiness, accompanied by switching of the tail, a stupid 
or wild condition of the eye, sudden constipation and a 
checked milk flow. As the disease progresses, the cow 
lies stretched out in a torpid or semi-torpid condition. 
Among the preventive measures are: A spare diet, light 
and laxative, before calving for about a week; ample 
exercise and a mild laxative from 2 to 5 days of the calv- 
ing, as a quart of linseed oil or a pound of Epsom salts. 

This, together with the daily use of Pratts Animal 
Regulator, will usually effect a cure. 

The pumping of atmospheric air filtered and steril- 
ized and well boiled water is very efficacious. This treat- 
ment can be obtained by the use of Pratts Milk Fever 
Outfit for Air Treatment. The price is $3. 

I/UMPY JAW IN CATTLE 

Actinomycosis or lumpy jaw in cattle is infectious 
and chronic in its action. The indications are peculiar en- 
largements or tumors about the head, but it may also af- 
fect the internal organs. It is caused by the presence and 
activity of a vegetable organism, that is a fungous para- 
site known as Actinomyces. It also affects sheep and 



74 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

horses. It develops slowly. It is not directly communi- 
cable but reaches the subject through the food. It has 
been noticed that animals grazing on certain pastures are 
more subject to it than when grazed on other pastures, 
hence it is thought that the parasite may live through one 
stage of its development on certain plants. It is only 
when the tumors discharge that harm can be done. The 
meat of affected animals is not necessarily unfit for food. 
The affected animals should be separated from the others. 
In some instances the tumors may be removed by the sur- 
geon's knife. 

Disinfect mangers and stables with Pratts Dip and 
Disinfectant and cleanse with Pratts Dip all wounds made 
by incisions. Iodide of Potash given as a drench in about 
one-quarter drachm doses daily has been found useful 
before the disease has invaded the bony structure. 

BLACKLEG IN [CATTLE 

Blackleg is a malignant infectious disease peculiar 
to cattle, sheep and goats. It is caused by a germ which 
may remain virulent for years, It usually affects cattle 
between the ages of six months and two years. Those 
that are fat are the easiest prey. It may reach them 
through food or drink but usually through inoculation. 
The germs come in contact with the system through 
abrasions of the skin or wounds. The most tangible 
symptom is swellings or tumors under the skin, stiffness 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 75 

or lameness in one limb and sometimes in one side of the 
body. In from one to three days death usually occurs. 
Treatment is almost useless. The carcasses should be 
deeply buried. The preventive measures are much the 
same as for Anthrax. Always disinfect thoroughly with 
Pratts Dip and Disinfectant. 

Blackleg may be prevented by vaccination, but ani- 
mals vaccinated under six months may have to be vaccin- 
ated again as the immunity conferred mav not last 
for more than eighteen months. 

ANTHRAX IN CATTLE 

Anthrax is one of the most malignant diseases that 
affects domestic animals. It attacks cattle, sheep, swine, 
goats, horses, mules and some of the smaller animals. It 
is caused by a microscopic organism known as the An- 
thrax bacillus, a minute rod-shaped germ that may be 
found in the blood and tissues of affected animals. They 
multiply endlessly and cause death by introducing poison- 
ous substances into the system. The germs may live out- 
side the body for years. They may be conveyed (i) 
through imported hides, hair and wool; (2) through fer- 
tilizing materials made from diseased animals; (3) by 
running water coming from tanneries; (4) by the bite 
and feet of insects that have come in touch with the virus ; 
(5) by the feet of dogs and birds; (6) through food ma- 
terials from infected lands. The germs may find lodgment 



76 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

through the medium of perspiration, the skins or the di- 
gestive tract. The indications include sudden attack, ac- 
companied by great depression, very high temperatures, 
hurried breathing and the turning bluish red of visible 
mucous membrane. Remedial measures are of little avail. 
The preventive measures include burying deeply dead car- 
casses, draining of infected lands of swampy breaking up 
infected pastures, vaccination by the Pasteur method and 
proper disinfecting with Pratts Dip and Disinfectant. 

PLEURISY 

This is produced by the same causes that produce 
inflammation of the lungs. It will be noted especially by 
the character of the breathing. There will be extreme 
tenderness of the muscles of the chest, also a jerky move- 
ment by the abdominal muscles. Pleurisy yields very 
quickly to prompt administration of Pratts Animal Regu- 
lator, which should be fed in gruel form if the animal is 
too sick to eat. The same blister applications, etc., as 
mentioned for inflammation of the lungs should also be 
used. Our note on page 66 explains that we will give 
other treatments, so we mention the following: Twenty 
drops Tincture of Aconite; three fluid ounces Acetate of 
Ammonia. Mixed in one pint of water. 

BRONCHITIS 

This disease is an inflammation of the larger tubes 
of the lungs. It is always accompanied by a cough. There 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 77 

is a dullness and drooping of the spirits, loss of appetite, 
mouth hot and dry, nostrils scarlet or reddish brown and 
dry. The cough is at first harsh, and then followed by a 
whitish discharge from the nose, and then becomes more 
soft and rattling. You will notice the discharge from 
the nose about the third or fourth day. The animal gen- 
erally lies down. It should be kept in a warm stable 
and fed soft food and have good care. Pratts Animal 
Regulator in large doses in form of a gruel, sufficient 
to physic the animal, should be given and then the quan- 
tity reduced to the regular amount. Sometimes warm 
water injected into the bowels helps recovery. The nose 
bag, recommended for horses, is helpful and often effects 
a rapid recovery, along with the constant use of Pratts 
Animal Regulator. As per note on page 66, we give the 
following : Three fluid ounces Acetate of Ammonia ; one- 
half fluid drachm Tincture of Squills. Mixed with one 
pint of water. 

COLDS 

They are generally noticed by a heated forehead and 
sneezing of the animal. Very frequently there is a cough, 
sometimes diarrhoea, much fever and loss of appetite, 
urine. In cases of severe illness, liberal quantities of 
At other times, the animal is constipated and deficient in 
Pratts Animal Regulator in gruel form are all that is 
necessary, gradually reducing as the animal recovers. 



78 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

Many persons have home remedies which they apply ac- 
cording to their judgment. The animal should be kept 
warm and legs bandaged. Other local outward applica- 
tions, as given for pleurisy and inflammation of the lungs, 
will also be found useful. 

OVERFED PAUNCH 

Any kind of food will produce this trouble if taken 
too freely. It is slower to develop than bloat. The left 
side is distended and hangs downward. There is diffi- 
culty in breathing and stupor. It is caused by grain food. 
Diarrhoea sets in before death as a rule. Where Pratts 
Animal Regulator is properly fed, this disease never oc- 
curs. If movement of the bowels is required very quick- 
ly, we mention: One pound Epsom Salts; one pound 
Glauber Salts; two fluid ounces Oil of Turpentine; one- 
half drachm Nux Vomica. Mix thoroughly. 

The above can be given along with the usual dose 
of Pratts Animal Regulator, and is simply mentioned as a 
rapid purgative, but we would not recommend its use un- 
less the animal is really suffering from severe costiveness 
and quick movement must be had, as Pratts Animal Reg- 
ulator, in gruel form, will move the bowels, but take a 
little longer time than the above. 

DIARRH<EA— SCOURS 

Diarrhoea is caused by indigestion. Large doses of 
Pratts Animal Regulator in necessary quantities to physic 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 79 

the animal is all that is needed in conjunction with the 
feeding of a very light ration of wholesome and dry 
coarse fodders. If the animal is too sick to eat, make a 
gruel of Pratts Animal Regulator mixed with warm water 
and pour down the throat. After which, continue with 
them together with starchy foods, gruels and mashed 
roots. In chronic diarrhoea, Pratts Animal Regulator is 
invaluable. In case it continues too long, the animal 
should be killed, and buried deep, and should not be eaten 
under any circumstances nor fed to the hogs. As per our 
plan to furnish another recipe, we give the following: 
Two fluid drachms of Tincture of Kino. Three times 
daily. 

DYSENTERY 

In its first stages, the dung is semi-fluid and of bad 
odor; later contains blood and mucus and is very offen- 
sive. Discharges are very painful and straining. The 
appetite is lost, hair staring and thirst is great. There 
is much fever. Pratts Animal Regulator in large doses 
(in gruel form if the animal cannot eat), sufficient to 
physic, is all that is necessary. Afterwards continue usual 
size doses. However, as per note on page 66 , we men- 
tion: Two ounces pulverized inner bark White Oak; 
two fluid ounces Oil of Turpentine. Mixed with one 
quart of water or gruel, given twice daily. 



80 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

SCOURS IN CALVES 

This is simply indigestion and may come from 
overfeeding, irregular feeding or bad milk. It is noted 
by poor appetite, or a very ravenous appetite, a bloated 
pot belly, staring hair, bad breath and watery diarrhoea. 
The calf soon becomes emaciated and dies. Reduce the 
milk ration immediately and then give two fluid ounces 
of castor oil with a teaspoonful of laudanum, and then 
feed Pratts Calf Tonic in gruel form regularly. We ad- 
vise castor oil only when a quick physic is required ; if the 
case is not an extreme one, we would not advise giving 
it. If it is a sucking calf, be sure and feed the cow Pratts 
Animal Regulator, as it is always well to treat the cow 
same as the calf during the time of sucking. There is 
nothing better to prevent calves from scouring than 
Pratts Calf Tonic. It is prepared specially to act quickly 
on the more delicate organs of the youngsters. 

WHIT3S SCOURS IN CALVES 

Scour arising from indigestion in calves is not con- 
tagious, but that form known as White Scour is exceed- 
ingly and persistently contagious. It has been found diffi- 
cult to destroy the infected germs in the stable, even by 
the use of disinfectants. White Scour comes from a 
germ that enters the system of the calf usually if not in 
all instances through the navel before it is healed. When 
once it appears in a building, it attacks nearly every calf 
born there, while the germs remain in the same, Promi- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 81 

nent among the indications of White Scour are: Its 
quick occurrence, the great prostration of the animal, and 
the color of the discharges which are yellowish white. 
They are also profuse and distinctly offensive. Usually 
death occurs within twenty- four to thirty-six hours. 
There is no remedy for White Scour. The preventive 
measures include, giving the dam an abundant supply of 
dry and clean bedding at the time of parturition and 
sprinkling the same with a strong solution of Pratts Dip 
and Disinfectant. As soon as the calf is born the navel 
string should be cut and tied with a cord soaked in a solu- 
tion of strong Carbolic Acid. Remove and burn bedding, 
scrape stalls and use Pratts Dip and Disinfectant freely. 

COIvIC 

One pint of Glauber salts dissolved in pint of warm 
water should be first given, and afterward inject a quart 
of warm water in the bowels, with two fluid ounces of 
laudanum added to it. Then feed regularly Pratts Animal 
Regulator, mixed with warm water as a gruel, if the ani- 
mal is too sick to eat. Colic does not occur when Pratts 
Animal Regulator is fed regularly. We would advise blan- 
kets wrung out in hot water to relieve the pain. In ex- 
treme cases, especially if there is nervous excitement, give 
the following: Four drachms of Carbonate of Ammonia ; 
two drachms of Belladonna. Mixed with one pint of 
water. 



82 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

WORMS 

There is one positive remedy, and that is Pratts Spe- 
cially Prepared Worm Powder. It kills and expels 
worms every time. Worms simply cannot exist when this 
powder is used. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER 

This is noted by frequent passage of urine ; there will 
be a twisting of the tail, uneasiness of the hind parts, 
straddling gait and slight fever. Pratts Animal Regula- 
tor in large doses can be given so as to move the bowels, 
which is all that is necessary in these cases. Feed in gruel 
form if cow is too sick to eat; if not, mix with regular 
feed. Sometimes the disease is noticed in cows right af- 
ter calving, and extreme costiveness of the bowels in such 
cases may be relieved quickly by a dose of castor oil. In- 
flammation of the bladder is cured and prevented by the 
use of Pratts Animal Regulator, and calving is made 
freer and cleaner. 

REMOVING THE AFTERBIRTH FROM COWS 

Among the causes of detained afterbirth are the fol- 
lowing: (i) Debility in the system: (2) premature birth; 
(3) musty, moldy, smutty or ergoted fodders fed in large 
quantities or for prolonged periods, and (4) too rapid 
closing of the neck of the womb after calving. The in- 
dications of retained afterbirth are usually apparent. 
More commonly the membranes hang from the valva and 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 83 

decompose gradually. The odor resulting is very offen- 
sive. The retention of any portion of the afterbirth is 
very harmful to the cow. In some instances a weight of 
one to two pounds attached to the hanging portion will 
suffice. In others the placruta is removed by the hand 
skilled in such work. The right hand and arm of the 
operator, after being smeared with carbolized oil, lard, or 
vaseline, is pushed into the uterus and the attachments to 
the walls of the same are worked loose with the fingers. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB 

is generally caused by difficult calving or improper re- 
moval of the afterbirth. It is noticed by shivering fits, 
colicky pains, uneasiness of the hind parts, twisting of 
the tail, looking toward the flank and frequent straining. 
The entrance to the vagina has a red, inflamed appear- 
ance. If the hand is introduced, the womb will be found 
dilated with fluid which must be withdrawn by use of a 
small rubber tube, which should be followed by injections 
of warm water to clean the womb, and a teaspoonful of 
solution of carbolic acid, mixed with a pint of warm 
water should also be injected. Sometimes a pound of sul- 
phate of soda is good. However, a gruel of Pratts Ani- 
mal Regulator should the animal be too sick to eat, is all 
that is necessary in cases of this kind, with proper care as 
mentioned above. After the animal has recovered, Pratts 
Animal Regulator should be fed, mixed with its regular 



84 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

feed. The womb should be cleaned out every couple of 
hours with the solution of carbolic acid and warm water, 
as mentioned above. 

BLOODY MII/K 

This is caused generally by injuries to the bag. Some 
cows show signs of it during heat. We would advise 
changing the regular food, feeding Pratts Animal Regu- 
lator, and applying gently hot or cold water, according tc 
condition of the udder, and be very careful in milking. 

GARGET 

This occurs from too great a supply of milk-produc- 
ing foods, or from local injuries. The bag may be hard 
and a lump felt in the centre. Cold water applications are 
a good thing, and Pratts Animal Regulator (in gruel 
form where necessary) is all that is required. Active, but 
gentle hand rubbing of the bag three or four times a day 
is good. Iodide of potassium in drachm doses is helpful. 
The milk must be drawn off frequently, and if painful, a 
milking tube must be used to allow it to run out. 

TO PREVENT LEAKING OF MH,K 

This may be temporarily prevented by taking white 
oak bark, put in water and boil down to a strong solution. 
After milking, soak ends of leaky teat in the solution for 
a few minutes. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 85 

COW-POX OR VARIOLA 

This is highly contagious, eruptive fever, communi- 
cated alike to mankind, horses and cows. Round inflamed 
spots appear upon the teats, and in three or four days fill 
with liquid, which afterward becomes thick yellow pus. 
This is the true vaccine virus used by inoculation as an 
antidote for small-pox. The influence of cow-pox upon 
mankind is much the same as vaccination — a slight fever, 
swelling of the glands and headache. The disease spreads 
through an entire herd of dairy cows very rapidly, prob- 
ably conveyed by the milkers, whose hands and clothing 
naturally become infected. This disease is not a danger- 
ous one, neither is the treatment difficult; the greatest 
care, however, must be taken not to break the pox, or they 
will make stubborn sores, troublesome to heal. To allay 
the constant irritation, apply Pratts Healing Ointment 
and give Pratts Animal Regulator, to regulate the gen- 
eral system. This should be given to all the cows and 
heifers not yet affected. 

APHTHA (Sores on the I,ips and Tongue) 

This disease is confined to painful blisters, soon be- 
coming sores on the lips and tongue, so that the cow can- 
not eat and grows weak, falling off in milk rapidly. It 
yields readily to simple treatment. The mouth is washed 
twice a day with one ounce borax and one fluid ounce 
tincture of myrrh mixed in one quart of water. Pratts 



86 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

Animal Regulator should be carefully fed to all the herd 
when aphtha first appears. If the mouth is too sore to 
permit the animal to eat freely, we would recommend a 
gruel of Pratts Animal Regulator mixed with warm 
water, and then pour down the throat; feed the animal 
on regular gruel feed. 

OBSTRUCTED TEATS 

Wash off teats with i part Pratts Dip and 50 parts 
of water. Use Pratts Teat Opener. Pratts Self-Retaining 
Milking Tube can then be inserted until teat is better. 
Rub teats with Pratts Bag Ointment. 

DEPRAVED APPETITE 

Cows will at times select rotten wood, old bones, rub- 
bish, etc., as diet, which shows plainly that, from irrita- 
tion of the stomach, they are possessed of an unnatural 
appetite. This condition is more commonly caused by 
some element, most commonly phosphate, being too much 
lacking in the food, and in such instances may be largely 
remedied by feeding pure bone meal for a time in the food. 

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE 

Symptoms. —Sore feet and blisters form in and about the mouth and on udder. 
Animal shivers, has fever, becomes lame and teeth become loose. It is very 
contagious. 

Treatment.— Separate all sick animals and wash mouths with 1 part Pratts Dip 
to 100 parts water, or one-half spoonful of tincture of aloes and myrrh. Stand 
animals in a trough containing: 1 part Pratts Dip to 20 parts water. Repeat in five 
days. Disinfect all stables, litter, etc. Give daily Pratts Animal Regulator with 
the regular feed. Use Pratts Healing Ointment on teats and udder. When- 
recovered, sponge all over with 1 part Dip to 20 parts water. 



PART II. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON SWINE 




CHAPTER I. 



POINTERS FOR SWINE GROWERS 

The benefits from keeping swine are many. They 
include the small outlay for the investment in proportion 
to the returns ; the quick and constant character of the re- 
turns; the suitability of swine-growing for being an ad- 
junct to the dairy, and the extent to which swine utilize 
waste products that would otherwise be lost. 

Swine husbandry may be established for less cost 
relatively than any branch of the live stock industry un- 

(87) 



88 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

less it be poultry. The grower of swine may purchase a 
few females at weaning time at an outlay not exceeding 
$5 per head. He may purchase a male of similar age 
that is pure bred for $10 to $25, and when these purchases 
are made he is equipped for his work so far as the found- 
ation animals are concerned. In no other branch of live 
stock may the beginning be made so cheaply except in 
poultry. True, some shelter must be furnished, but for a 
time poles and straw will answer the purpose in provid- 
ing a winter shelter for swine. They do not want much 
shelter of any kind in the summer season. But, o-f course, 
a more substantial hog house will be required at a later 
period, when swine husbandry is to be carried on at its 
best. 

No kind of live stock bring returns so rapidly as 
swine except in the case of poultry. Swine, like sheep, 
may be made to bring returns twice a year, as when two 
litters a year are obtained from one sow, but, whereas 
sheep produce but one or two lambs in a year, the off- 
spring of swine may number half a dozen and more at 
each litter, which means that a brood sow under favorable 
conditions may produce a progeny numbering not less 
than twelve against progeny from the ewe numbering not 
more than one or two under normal conditions, and 
against progeny from the cow not usually exceeding one 
at a birth. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 89 

Swine make an excellent adjunct to the dairy, as 
they furnish an excellent medium through which the 
waste products of the dairy may be utilized with profit, 
and to any extent that may be desired. Where skim milk 
and buttermilk may be had in plentiful supply, the grow- 
ing of swine becomes much easier and usually more prof- 
itable than it would otherwise be. 

One of the greatest advantages of swine husbandry 
is the extent to which swine utilize waste products that 
would otherwise be lost. Swine are veritable scavengers, 
and can turn all kinds of waste products and even offal to 
good account. They can take waste products from the 
garden and orchard and turn them into good money. 
They can take offal from the butcher's abattoir and turn 
it into meat that is palatable and nutritious, and they can 
find corn in the droppings of live stock that are being 
fattened and turn it into meat that is the delight of the 
epicure. Any animal possessed of such magic powers of 
digestion as swine is well worthy of the careful attention 
of mankind. It is the voracious appetite of the swine ac- 
companied by their quick digestion and assimilation that 
enable them to work such wonders in the transformation 
and utilization of products that would otherwise be waste. 

Any farmer may keep swine with profit, no matter 
what his line of farming may be. Some farmers of 
course are better situated for this work than others, but 
there is no man on a farm who cannot find some profit in 



90 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

swine husbandry, at least to the extent of keeping a few 
animals to consume the waste products of the farm. Nor 
is there any cottager, however lowly his home may be, 
who may not keep one or two animals with profit to aid 
in turning to good account the waste products of his 
home. 

FOUNDATION STOCK 

This, of course, as in the case of cattle and sheep, 
may consist of pure breds or grades, according to the ob- 
ject sought. The average farmer should aim to keep 
only grades, and the person who has but one or two ani- 
mals should aim to keep only that number. 



For meat purposes, grades well chosen and well 
cared for will be quite as good as pure breds. They will 
grow as fast if not a little faster, they will make as much 
meat if not a little more, and they will be quite as rugged 
if not indeed more so. These results follow from the 
renovation which the fusion of mixed blood brings with 
it when the blend is made on judicious lines. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 9l 

Of course, pure bred males ought to be used in every 
case and of good individuality. This is a chief safeguard 
in any line of breeding, where improvement is sought. 

THE BREED OR GRADE TO CHOOSE FROM 

The pure breeds of swine in America to-day may be 
classified as large, medium and small. The large breeds 
are the Large Yorkshire, the Tamworth and the Chester 
White. The medium breeds are the Berkshire the Po- 




BERKSHIRE SOW 

land China, the Duroc Jersey, the Victoria, the Cheshire 
and the Hampshire. The small breeds are the Suffolk, 
the Essex and the Small Yorkshire. The Large York- 
shire and the Tamworth are distinctively bacon breeds. 
The Poland Chinas and Duroc Jerseys are the most popu- 
lar by far of the middle breeds, and next to these are the 
Berkshires and the Hampshires. The latter, characterized 



92 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 




CHESTER WHITE 



by a band of white around the front part of the body, are 
now forging well ahead, notwithstanding their recent in- 
troduction as a distinct breed. The breeder of pure breds 




OI,D ENGLISH PIG 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 93 



has his choice among all of these. If he wants to breed 
bacon the Yorkshire or the Tamworth ought to be his 
choice. All the other breeds are more or less of the lard 
type, but by no means equally so. The small breeds meet 
with but little favor in this country. 

The breeder of grades may choose the foundation 
stocks from any of the mixed blood elements where he 
can purchase females at meat prices. It does not matter 
much how mixed the blood elements are. In fact the 
more mixed they are the more marked and rapid will 
the improvement be when these are mated with pure bred 
sires. 




POLAND CHINA 



The sires may be chosen from any of the pure breeds 
that may meet the desires of the grower. If he wants to 
grow fat pork, any of the middle breeds or also the Ches- 



94 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ter White may be chosen. If he wants to grow high class 
bacon he should use a Large Yorkshire or a Tamworth 
sire. Bacon swine differ from the lard types in having 
longer bodies, longer heads and longer limbs, and some- 
thing less of width than swine of the other class. 

BREEDING SWINE 

When breeding pure bred swine, as when breeding 
pure bred cattle and sheep, constant attention, and of the 
most careful character must be given to the requirements 
of the standards. These are such as relate to form, color ; 
the amount of the covering and also to fancy points, not- 
withstanding the general resemblance in form of the ani- 
mals in each class; some difference characterizes each of 
the breeds in the class. The color markings of swine are 
easily traced, as in every instance, save that of the Hamp- 
shire, the colors are essentially solid, although the Poland 
China and the Berkshire have sundry white markings on 
the feet. The thickness of the hair, or the opposite has 
an important bearing on protecting the animals from cold 
or from sunscald. The fancy points are such as have 
reference to the size and erection or droop of the ear and 
the length of the tail and the amount of the curl in the 
same. When breeding grades, the choice of good sires 
and the persistent use of the same from generation to 
generation will bring up the quality of the animals for 
meat-making to quite equal that of the breed from which 
the sires have been chosen, in from three to four genera- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 95 



tions, providing all inferior specimens have been discard- 
ed for reproduction. This rapid improvement may be 
made with the material the most unpromising with refer- 
ence to form in the foundation stock. 

In order to secure bacon characters, in addition to 
the use of males of a bacon breed, it will be necessary to 
continually select sows somewhat long in body and not 
too short or long of limb. The long body furnishes a 
relatively large amount of bacon. This, it is, which 
brings the highest price in the market of any part of the 
carcass. Regard must also be had as to the nature of 
the feeding, as is shown below. 

IMPROVING THE HERD 

Before any breeder can effect permanent improve- 
ment, he must have in his mind an ideal as to form, and 
he must be able to choose the materials used with sufficient 
judgment to enable him to appreciate more and more to- 
ward that ideal in the progeny which he breeds. The 




model pig 



96 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ideal lard type has the following leading essentials : ( i ) 
A form rather compact, broad and deep, and standing on 
short legs, set well apart. (2) A back broad in every 
part and straight or nearly so, from above the shoulders' 
to the tail end. (3) Sides deep and straight and of even 
width from the front of the shoulder to the rear of the 
ham. (4) A head fairly short and at least carrying a 
fair amount of jowl, and a good covering of rather fine 
hair over every part. The males must, of course, have 
more of massiveness, heavier necks and other differences 
that masculinity brings with it. The bacon types differ 
from the above in having less of width of body, includ- 
ing ham and shoulder, more of length in the side and 
head, more of length of limb and arch of back, and less 
of jowl. 




When selecting pure breds for breeding, as intimat- 
ed, scrupulous regard must be had to what the standard 
calls for in all particulars. But fancy points should not 
be unduly exalted. For instance, it would be much wiser 
to choose a Berkshire dam for breeding, faultless in form 
but lacking in the white on the lower part of one foot, 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 97 

than to choose one with perfect color markings and at the 
same time possessed of something inferior in some fea- 
ture pertaining to form. 

When selecting grade females or indeed any kind of 
females, the preference should be given to those that are 
possessed of fairly long bodies and a reasonable but not an 
excessive length of limb. The roomy body is indication 
of a numerous progeny when bred, and the limb of fair 
length is favorable to easy and active locomotion. By 
carefully selecting females from litters that are relatively 
large, the prolificacy of the herd may be brought up to a 
high level in a few generations of breeding. 

The rejecting of animals in the herd for breeding in- 
cludes in pure breeds, all animals lacking in any consid- 
erable degree any essential called for by the standard for 
the breed. The rejection of the same when breeding 
grades, should not extend to color markings or fancy 
points, even in high grades, but it should include all ani- 
mals under size or off in form. All that have been shy 
or irregular breeders, all sows that are in any way vic- 
ious or that have gone beyond that age when they produce 
regular litters, and all sires that are not prepotent. 

FOODS FOR SWINE, SUMMER AND WINTER 

No class of live stock kept upon the farm will eat 
so great a variety of foods. Almost any plant that grows 
will be eaten by them in the succulent form. No class of 



98 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

live stock that has been domesticated will compare with 
swine as scavengers on the farm. The waste from the 
house, the slaughter house and the barn or feeding yard 
seems equally grateful to them. But the fact should not 
be overlooked that equally high class meat may not be 
obtained from all kinds of food. Tfcis is true even of 
grain foods. 

In the summer season, swine under farm conditions 
should be maintained mainly on grazing. In no other 
way can they be maintained so cheaply or kept so beauti- 
ful. The character of the grazing is given below. But 
except in the care of brood sows that are not pregnant, 
some grain food should be given along with the grazing. 

When they cannot be grazed, they should have free 
access to a roomy yard. In addition to the grain food 
fed to them, they should be given an ample supply of 
soiling food daily, and for convenience in feeding, it 
should be grown in some paddock nearby. It may con- 
sist of many kinds of food, as clover alfalfa, peas, vetches, 
rape, sweet corn and turnips. Refuse from the vegetable 
garden is excellent. Such soiling food should be quite 
succulent and should not have reached the woody stage. 

The winter foods for brood sows are dwelt upon 
below, and for boars the ration is not far different. If 
a second litter for the season is carried through the winter 
after weaning and until fattening, nitrogenous foods, as 




PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 99 

shorts or middlings or peas, should compose a large part 
of the ration; also skim milk when it can be had. But 
some corn or barley or rye may be fed at the same time. 
When the fattening season approaches, either of the 
three foods last mentioned should be markedly increased. 

SHEI/TER FOR SWINE 

The essentials in shelter for swine include the fol- 
lowing: i. A dry and sunny place for the hog house 
and yards and one protected from the winds. 2. Suffi- 
cient warmth in the winter season to keep the swine in 
comfort. 3. Ample yard attachments in which the 
swine may exercise and under some conditions glean a 
part of their food. 4. Proximity to a wallow, that is, 
a bathing place of artificial construction or otherwise. 
5. A running stream near a piggery furnishes an ideal 
place, but in places where hog cholera is present it has 
its perils. 

In a piggery the following are among the leading 
essentials of a good hog house : 1 . Ample room for the 
needs of the swine kept in the various divisions and for 
the storage of bedding overhead. 2. Ample warmth of 
construction to insure comfort in cold weather and withal 
accompanied by a good system of ventilation and lighting. 
A straw loft overhead will aid in removing dampness in 
cold weather. 3. Apartments of various sizes to meet 



100 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 




SWINGING DOOR TROUGH 



the needs of the swine. Movable divisions are not so 
easy of construction as in sheep houses, because of swing 
doors that are frequently constructed in front of them. 4. 
A passageway in the centre of the building, the pens 
being on each side. 5. Troughs in front of the pens, but 
inside of them, and swing doors just above and in front 
of the troughs, to provide the means for the easy feeding 
of the swine. 6. A bed a little elevated in each pen to 
aid in keeping it dry. 7. A fender in each pen which 
brood sows are to occupy, to protect the young pigs. 8. 
A yard attachment for each division and a swing door or 




GARBAGE TUB 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 101 

a door that may be lifted by the aid of rope and pulley 
from the passage to open into the yard. 9. A feed room, 
usually in one end of the building and a heater in the 
same for cooking the food. 10. A well in the feed room 
or at least a tap that will furnish water. The yards which 
the brood sows are to occupy ought to be on the sunny 
side of the building. If the floors are of concrete, the 
sleeping beds should have a thickness of boards laid over 
the concrete. 



*M 



w * ^Bbt 



C 



SMAU, PIG PEN 



In northern areas sheds made of poles and well over- 
laid with straw as described below find much favor, espe- 
cially where the weather is cold and the precipitation is 
light. In areas where diseases as hog cholera are com- 
mon, small houses that will accommodate one brood sow 
and her litter are in favor. Each of these is enclosed by 
a movable or permanent fence, a certain amount of yard 
or pasture room being inside. In yet other areas the kind 
of structure described above or some modification of it 
is in favor. 



102 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

THE STOCK BOAR 

At the weaning season or soon after, the young sire 
to be used in the herd should be put in a pen by himself 
and thus kept apart from the other swine. The large 
yard that ought to be attached may be enclosed with a 
fence that is close. Such a fence is ideal around such a 
yard, but it may be over expensive. 

The boar should be reared principally on nitrogen- 
ous foods, such as wheat middlings and skim milk, if 
these are to be had ; also such other food as green alfalfa 
or rape. If these or some of them can be grown in his 
yard, so much the better. His food in winter should have 
considerable succulence in it, such as is furnished by field 
roots. At no time should he be kept on a dry diet of rich 
foods as corn or rye meal, but a part of his diet in winter 
may profitably consist of such foods. 

It is of much importance that the boar shall be given 
due exercise. This he will take in the yard, unless the 
area is too cramped. In winter the whole grain fed 
should be strewn where he would have to gather it up. 
In a barnyard occasionally he would profit by being allow- 
ed to turn over its litter. 

|THE BROOD SOW IN WINTER 

It is greatly important that the brood sow in winter 
shall be fed chiefly on nitrogenous food. Wheat bran, 
peas, shorts and skim milk are all good, but they are not 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 103 

the cheapest foods that may be furnished. Viewed from 
the standpoint of cheapness and suitability, there is noth- 
ing better than alfalfa hay and mangels, adding a small 
amount of grain in cold weather. The hay should be 
cut when coming into bloom and well cured. It is fed 
without any further preparation. In addition the sows 
should have a mangel at a feed in the natural form. They 
will winter quite well on either the hay or mangels with 
a little grain, but both are better than one. Almost any 
kind of grain may be fed, and when within a reasonable 
time of farrowing, the grain ration should be increased 
somewhat. If wintered wholly on meal, the meal should 
be soaked. House swill or water may furnish drink for 
the swine when on alfalfa or fine cut clover, which is a 
fairly good substitute. Sows fed thus and properly ex- 
ercised will almost invariably produce good litters of 
pigs and strong and vigorous at birth. Corn, barley and 
rye are too carbonaceous a food for brood sows when 
fed alone. 

To insure plenty of exercise for the sow, she should 
be given access to a barnyard where this is practicable. 
To encourage her to take exercise it may be well to scat- 
ter some grain in the litter or the manure. When they 
cannot enter a barnyard some grain scattered on the 
hard and clean bare ground or trodden snow, will en- 
courage them to seek exercise when picking up the grain. 



104 PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEHP AND HOGS 

Where the winters are so mild as to allow of some graz- 
ing, these precautions may not be necessary, but some 
exercise for the brood sow when pregnant is absolutely 
essential to the well being of her young. The more ex- 
ercise that the dam takes, the more vigorous will the 
progeny be at birth. 

The winter quarters for the sow may be of the 
simplest until the time of farrowing. A low shed with 
a straw pile built over it at threshing time will suffice. 
It should be so built that the sows may burrow in the 
sides of the straw at their own will. The low opening 
on one side gives them ingress and egress to the sleep- 
ing place. Sows may be wintered nicely in structures 
thus made. When kept in other and better structures, 
not more than two should be slept in one apartment near 
to the farrowing season, lest they should overlay one 
another at such a time to the detriment of the progeny. 

THE BROOD SOW WHII,E NURSING 

At farrowing, the brood sow should have an apart- 
ment of the hog house by herself. Into this she should 
be put a few days before farrowing, that she may become 
accustomed to the same. At farrowing the sow should 
not be given much straw. A chaffy bed is better. The 
apartment should not be cold. All being well, the sow 
should be as little disturbed as possible while farrowing. 
In very cold weather it may be necessary to take the pigs 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 105 

to artificial heat in a basket or box, for a few hours at 
least, returning them to the sow at intervals to nurse. 
For two or three days at the first she should only be 
given a thin slop with a little meal in it, lest the milk 
flow should be unduly stimulated. Inflammation of the 
udder may follow such stimulation, and this would mean 
disaster to the pigs. 

As soon as they can take all her milk, she should be 
fed a stimulating diet of meal, fed in the form of slop, 
and and one that will at the same time be rich in protein. 
One half of the ration may consist of oats, bran, wheat 
middlings or peas; the other half may consist of such 
grains as corn, barley, speltz or rye. The grain, unless 
the corn, should be ground, and this too may serve the 
purpose better when fed as slop. It should be soaked 
from 6 to 12 hours according to the season of the year, 
longest in winter. Wheat middlings and corn or barley 
in the proportions of 2 parts by weight of the middlings 
and one part of either the corn or barley, make an ideal 
ration for a brood sow ; mangels or sugar beets fed with 
any of the above rations are helpful. The sows should 
be given all that they can eat in three feeds per day, and 
as the nursing season progresses, the proportion of the 
carbonaceous food fed may be increased, to prevent undue 
emaciation in the sows. 

The period for suckling the young should depend 



106 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

very considerably on whether one or two litters are to 
be reared per year. If but one litter, the young pigs 
should be allowed to nurse as long or about as long as 
the dams will submit to such nursing. This will usually 
be for a period of say 10 to 12 weeks. If the sows are to 
rear two litters, which may be quite proper where the 
winters are not too long, they should not suckle their 
young longer than eight weeks. Whether one or two 
litters are reared in one year from one sow, depends very 
largely on the climate. Ordinarily in cold climates but 
one litter per year should be reared and in mild climates 
two litters may bring much more profit than one. 

THE BROOD SOW IN SUMMER 

When but one litter is reared in the year, the man- 
agement of the brood sow in summer is very simple. She 
calls for no other food than pasture until the autumn 
closes in, that is providing the pasture is reasonably good. 
She will make up for the emaciation which was probably 
present at the close of the nursing period. In fact, under 
some conditions, as when she has access to carelessly 
harvested grain fields, she may become too fat for breed- 
ing in best form. 

When two litters are to be reared it is different. The 
sow being emaciated at the close of the nursing period 
of the spring litter and soon to become pregnant again, 
should be fed freely on nutritious foods in addition to 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 107 

the pasture which she may glean. This feeding should 
be continued as far as it may be necessary to keep her in 
good flesh until she farrows again in the autumn. While 
it is possible to have sows overfat at the farrowing sea- 
son, the mistake is in almost all instances in the opposite 
direction. 

When but one litter is reared in the year, the aim 
should be to have it come reasonably early, as early in 
fact as will not endanger the lives of the young pigs. In 
the northern states this will be about April ist; in the 
central states, somewhat earlier. This will admit of turn- 
ing off the young pigs at the age of 7 to 8 months, and 
weighing about 200 pounds, before the really cold weather 
comes on. The second litter should come about 6 months 
later, or about Oct. ist. The young pigs will be almost 
ready to wean when the winter comes on, and they may 
be sold the following spring. 

THE YOUNG PIGS WHII,E NURSING 

As soon as the young pigs will take food from the 
dam, they ought to be encouraged to take it. To accom- 
plish this, a board or two may be fastened across the 
corner to the pen, so that the pigs may go under but not 
the sow; a low trough is put inside. Skim milk is the 
best food to begin with. In its absence oat meal or ground 
oats minus the hulls and formed into a thin slop will 
answer. Shorts will answer quite as well if not better. 



108 PRATTS POINTBRS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

They should get all of this that they will take. After 
a time they may eat with the dam. To enable them to 
do so, a plank should be put in front of the trough, and 
the trough should be shallow, such feeding will relieve 
the dam much and will be very helpful to the young swine. 

The matter of exercise is very important for the 
young pigs, and the better they are nourished, the more 
important is it. To accomplish this, in warm days they 
and the dam should have access to the yards, and a little 
grain sprinkled in the same will enable them to take ex- 
ercise. When they can follow the sow to the pastures, 
this of course is not necessary. Lack of exercise may 
easily lead to much loss in young swine. 

Much care should be taken to shield the sow from 
sudden changes in her diet and also the young pigs. A 
sudden change in the diet of the sow may at once affect 
the pigs adversely, because of the influence exerted on 
the milk. Food very sour or impure may even produce 
milk that may prove fatal to the pigs that nurse. They 
should be guarded against sudden changes of weather, 
exposure to cold rain is destructive, and trailing after the 
sow in the dewy grass may become very harmful. 

There is no better method of weaning the young 
swine than by reducing much the diet of the sow, a day 
or two before weaning. That of the young swine should 
of course be augmented. The sow should then be shut 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 109 

quite away from the litter, and kept on a low diet until 
the milk flow has ceased. 

GROWING SWINE ON PASTURE 

The young swine should be ready to wean or nearly 
so by the time that the pastures are well supplied with 
grazing. To these they should have acceess in good 
weather, both before and after weaning, more espe- 
cially after. The cheapest pork will be made while they 
are on pasture. 

Various pastures will answer well. Winter rye will 
be the soonest ready, and alfalfa, clover and blue grass 
next. Barley, especially of the beardless and the hulless 
varieties, furnishes good grazing both before and after 
breeding. Dwarf Essex rape is excellent, and may be 
given in a succession to cover much of the season. Soy 
beans are also good and cow peas in southern climes. 

The aim should be to have the grazing come in a 
succession. This may be readily accomplished by leaving, 
say three fields, long and narrow, butting against a lane. 
In these food may be grown that will come in a succession. 
The swine may be given access to them from the lane as 
desired, or from a grass pasture serving the purpose of a 
lane. 

They should be given supplemental food when on 
the pasture. Only a small amount is needed. No grain 
will serve the purpose better than corn, especially when 



HO PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEBP AND HOGS 

the pasture is a legume, as it balances the food and it 
may be fed unground. But other grains may of course 
be used. 

FATTENING SWINE ON CROPS UNHARVESTED 

Where land is not too dear and where the cost of 
labor is excessive, it is quite possible in many instances 
to harvest the crops with greatest profit by allowing the 
swine to feed upon the crop in the field. For such fatten- 
ing no crop is more suitable than corn. For such fatten- 
ing, the varieties that are somewhat dwarfish in their 
habit of growth and that produce a large amount of 
grain relatively, have the highest adaptation. Such is 
squaw corn grown far north, and certain other varieties 
that may be named. The waste of stalk from these at- 
tending such grazing is less than it would be from large 
varieties. It is well to begin with some small variety of 
sweet corn, because of its early ripening, and to follow 
with some other kinds of corn that came in season later. 
In this way the season for fattening may easily be pro- 
longed. The waste of fodder may be reduced by allow- 
ing cattle to glean after the swine. 

Peas of the field varieties may answer well for fin- 
ishing swine in the field. They may thus be grown and 
fed off in areas that have a normally dry harvest climate ; 
where the harvest may be rainy, this mode of harvesting 
may be hazardous, as rain would soon start growth in 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 111 

the peas, after which they would not serve the purpose of 
fattening. As in the case of corn, it could be so arranged 
by sowing earlier and later varieties, that the season for 
fattening would be sufficiently prolonged to bring the 
swine to a good finish. As peas come a little earlier than 
corn, it may be well to begin with peas and finish on corn. 
The straw of peas is spoiled for food when the crop is 
thus gleaned. 

Soy beans and peanuts in the South, make excellent 
finishing foods for swine, and if the crop of sweet pota- 
toes may be in part added, the combination is most ex- 
cellent. In many instances, however, these foods are too 
valuable for such feeding. When they are thus fed upon 
by swine, it may be necessary to feed some corn toward 
the close of the fattening season to harden the pork. 

When fattening swine thus, they must not be expect- 
ed to consume all the food. A time will come in each 
instance, when the food will be so lacking, that to require 
swine that are fattening upon it to glean it all would 
hinder their fattening. Such gleaning should be com- 
pleted by other swine that are not being fattened. 

FATTENING SWINE WHEN CONFINED 

The aim should be to fatten swine so that they will 
be on the market before the season of coldest weather, 
unless where the place of confinement can be kept quite 
comfortable in cold weather. Fattening swine under 



112 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

conditions unduly cold means an undue expenditure in 
food. 

The best foods for such fattening include corn, bar- 
ley, speltz, peas and rye. When fed alone, corn and peas 
stand •foremost among these for such feeding, and they 
may be fed without grinding. For bacon feeding peas 
and barley rank high. The other foods are better ground 
and soaked. These foods may be variously blended. 

The time called for to finish the swine will of neces- 
sity vary, but usually it is not longer than about 6 weeks. 
During the finishing period the swine should be given all 
the food that they will eat up clean. 

MARKETING SWINE 

Swine should be ready for the market at an age not 
exceeding 8 months, and usually 7 months will be better. 
Whether of the bacon or the lard types, the aim of the 
grower should be to market them within the age named, 
for the reason that gains are then more cheaply made 
than at any subsequent period. The favorite weights for 
the bacon types is 160 to 200 pounds. Beyond 225 pounds 
the carcasses are less acceptable. The lard types may be 
50 pounds or even more than that heavier. The aim 
should be to put each in good finish of its kind. 

Formerly it was common to dress the carcasses on 
the farm, and then to put them on the market. In some 
instances they were cured at home, and the meat was 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 113 

sold in the cured form. Three methods are still followed 
where settlement is sparse, but where transit may be 
made by rail, they are now almost invariably sold on 
foot. This is by far the best method of marketing under 
average conditions. 

PORK FOR THE FARM HOME 

Pork is really the standard meat for the farm home. 
It is so because it is so easily grown, because it is so 
easily cured, and because of its excellence when eaten 
in the cured form. It should be the aim in every farm 
home to have an ample supply at all times to meet the 
needs of the family. 

The farmer has complete control over the kind of 
pork that he can grow for his own family. His aim 
should be to grow that of the bacon type or approximately 
thereto, because of the excellence of such a product for 
table use. In addition to excellent side meat thus fur- 
nished, the shoulders and hams are less fat than those 
of the other types, and consequently in using them there 
is less waste. 

For home use swine are usually slaughtered on the 
approach of cold weather. This admits of using much 
of the meat not included in sides, hams and- shoulders, 
in the fresh form. Usually the three classes of pork just 
named are salted. The heads are frequently made into 
head cheese, and other portions into sausage meat. 



114 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

For slaughtering, a scalding barrel, a platform for 
removing the hair, a place for suspending the animals, 
and certain sundry tools are neceessary. When caught 
the pig is turned on its back, and a sharp butcher knife 
is pointed backward, entering the body a little way in 
front of the brisket. The scalding should be quickly done 
and the hair quickly removed. After suspending the 
animal, the entrails are removed and the carcass allowed 
to cool before it is cut up, but it should be so dissected 
before it freezes. 

The parts to be cured are then rubbed over with 
salt. They may then be laid on a sloping platform of 
boards for a time, preferably in a cellar. Then they are 
washed and more salt added. They are next hung up to 
complete the curing in a dry place, and in the summer 
season they should be protected from flies. 
MISCELLANEOUS FACTS 

The two leading types of swine, viz. : the bacon and 
lard types, has each a distinct area on which it may be 
grown with greatest profit. This fact should be care- 
fully recognized by the growers of swine. 

The bacon types are best grown where the foods 
are nitrogenous, and the lard types where they are car- 
bonaceous. Where alfalfa is abundant and such others 
as clover and peas, the adaptation is best suited to the 
bacon types, but where corn is the principal grain crop, the 
adaptation is better for the lard types. 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 115 

Bacon types may be changed into lard types in a 
few generations by the judicious use of lard type sires. 
On the other hand the lard types may be changed into 
bacon types by the continued use of bacon sires. Some 
breeds are now of the intermediate type as the Berkshire, 
the Cheshire and the Hampshire. 



CHAPTER II. 

DISEASES OK HOGS 

Before reading our suggestions in regard to diseases 
of hogs, read carefully the note on page 66. 

PREVENTION OP DISEASES 

With the human race a patient can tell where and 
how he suffers, but the sickness of a dumb animal must 
be wholly determined and treated from symptoms. The 
best means to prevent sickness among hogs is to give 
them pure air, clean, dry pens, and plenty of good food. 
So many hog diseases are contagious that a sick animal 
should at once be removed from the herd, and put in a 
distant and separate pen. To prevent spreading of dis- 
ease, troughs should be scalded, and Pratts Dip and Dis- 
infectant sprinkled as a disinfectant about the premises, 
as soon as the sickness appears. Dry earth must be scat- 
tered through the pens and yards. When pigs have good; 



116 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS', SHEEP AND HOGS 

care, and are regularly given Pratts Animal Regulator 
there is practically no sickness among them. 

HOG CHOLERA 

There are at least two diseases belonging to this 
class, viz., hog cholera and swine plague. They are both 
characterized by an inflammation of the stomach and in- 
testines, enlarged and inflamed conditions of the lympha- 
tic glands and the sloughing of portions of the skin. The 
treatment for these and also the preventive measures are 
in many respects the same. This trouble has until re- 
cently proved a veritable scourge in many States of the 
Union. The disease is communicated through the me- 
dium of germs taken into the system. These germs may 
come through the following agencies: (i) Purchasing 
swine which may contract the germs when in transit on 
the cars; (2) by exhibiting at fairs; (3) through persons 
who have visited infected herds, also through the feet of 
dogs and birds to which the germs may have adhered; 
(4) through the water of an infected pond or stream. 
Reduced stamina and filthy quarters favor much the 
spread of the disease. From what has been said the pre- 
ventive measures will be apparent. Among the indica- 
tions of hog cholera are the following: (1) Dullness, 
loss of appetite or depraved appetite and a disposition to 
lie down; (2) constipation or diarrhoea; (3) a stiff gait; 
(4) red spots or blotches become discernible about the 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 117 

ears and under the neck and belly; (5) in some instances 
there is difficulty in breathing. 

To prevent this disease, and to cure it in its early 
stages, we strongly recommend the faithful use of Pratts 
Hog Cholera Specific. Many reports have reached us 
as to the value of this remedy. We learn that inoculation 
has also proved successful in warding off this disease. 

The value of sanitation cannot be overestimated. 
Thoroughly disinfect with Pratts Dip and Disinfectant. 

SWINE PRAGUE 

Swine plague, though like hog cholera, is entirely 
distinct therefrom in the sense that it is a separate dis- 
ease, but it is only when the lungs are extensively in- 
flamed that it is possible to distinguish with unerring 
certainty between the two diseases. The recognition of 
its presence is based largely on such symptoms as cough- 
ing and labored, painful and oppressed breathing. It is 
a severe disease. It frequently comes as a pneumonia 
or an inflammation of the lungs and pleural membrane. 
The animal is in a sleepy and even comatose condition 
much of the time. If it walks it staggers. The skin red- 
dens in a marked degree and the bowels become consti- 
pated. This disease, though not nearly so common as 
hog cholera is usually very fatal. Preventive measures 
are all important. Use Pratts Hog Cholera Specific as 
directed and disinfect with Pratts Dip and Disinfectant. 



118 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

The most dangerous source of infection by far is 
coming in touch with diseased animals. 

TUBERCULOSIS IN SWINE 

The losses from tuberculosis in swine are beginning 
to assume enormous proportions. This trouble comes 
very largely from swine drinking the milk of tuberculous 
cows and gleaning in the feeding lots after tuberculous 
cattle. The apparent indications are not always unerring. 
Among them are the following : Digestive disorders, such 
as diarrhoea and vomiting; a stunted condition and a 
staring coat and breathing more or less labored. There 
is no positive cure for this severe disease, but good sani- 

It can hardly be necessary to advise the daily use of 
Pratts Dip and Disinfectant when tuberculosis is present. 

The importance of testing heads of cattle that may 
be affected with tuberculosis is thus further emphasized. 

INTESTINAL WORMS IN SWINE 

Four species of worms have been found capable of 
living in the intestines of swine and of inflicting more or 
less harm to them. These are the Common Round 
Worm, the Thorn Headed Worm, the Pin Worm, and 
the Whip Worm. The two first named are the most 
harmful. The common round worm is found chiefly in 
the small intestine. The female is 1 1 inches long and the 
male about 7 inches. The pinkish white body tapers at 
both extremities. The thorn-headed worm is usually 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 119 

found only in the small intestine. The average length 
of the female is about n inches and of the male from 
2y 2 to 3 inches. The color is milk white. The pin worm, 
usually found between the folds of the lining membrane 
or mingling with the contents of the small intestine, is 
about half an inch long. The whip worm is usually 
found at the beginning of the large intestine. It is about 
i J^ inches long and is enlarged toward the posterior part. 

Among the symptoms of the presence of worms are 
diarrhoea, constipation, impaired appetite and varying de- 
grees of unthriftiness. But it is only when the worms 
are present in large numbers that these symptoms are 
produced. 

The common round worm is communicated through 
the medium of the eggs which contain well developed 
embryonic worms, and they reach the digestive tract 
through the medium of the food and water. The pin 
worm and the whip worm are similarly communicated. 
The eggs of the thorn-headed worm develop through thp 
medium of a host, as the white grub, eaten by swine. 

Among the preventive measures are the draining of 
stagnant pools and wet places where the embryos may be 
harbored; the ploughing up of the yards and pastures, 
guarding against feeding on floors not kept properly 
cleaned, or on ground that may have been much used for 
such feeding; giving water from a deep well, and not al- 
lowing the swine to wallow in the drinking troughs. 



120 PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

Giving a generous diet is also important, as the parasites 
are less liable to live where the digestion is vigorous. 

Pratts Hog Worm Powder is a positive remedy and 
a four days' treatment will quickly put the worms to flight. 
PNEUMONIA IN SWINE 

This ailment is attended with acute congestion and 
inflammation of the spongy tissue of the lungs. The 
prominent symptoms are dullness, loss of appetite, shiv- 
ering, labored breathing and more or less of coughing. 
The respirations are labored. The most common cause 
is a sudden chilling of the body, but it may be brought 
about by mere exposure. Every effort should be made 
to keep the affected animals comfortable and to give 
them nourishing food. 

The presence of this trouble is usually indicative of 
neglect somewhere. 

Mix daily with their feed, Pratts Animal Regu- 
lator, and improvement will soon be noted. 
DIARRHEA OR SCOURS 

This trouble is known by the very soft condition of 
the voidings which are sometimes almost watery. It us- 
ually occurs before the weaning stage and more com- 
monly in swine not yet 10 days old. This trouble 
is highly contagious. It usually results from some 
untoward condition of the milk of the dam. This 
may be caused by feeding improper food as that tainted 
with the elements of decay, from making a sudden 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 121 

change in the food, from excess of milk furnished by the 
dam, and from some untoward condition in the health of 
the sow. The causes of scours being known, the means 
of prevention are also known. The young swine should 
be kept comfortable and the voidings carefully removed 
two or three times a day. The floor should be sprayed 
with Pratts Dip and Disinfectant. Correct the food giv- 
en to the dam, and use daily, Pratts Animal Regulator. 
Rapid improvement will be noted. A small table spoon 
full of sulphur given to the sow daily will be helpful. 
PARALYSIS IN SWINE 
This trouble may affect various organs of the body, 
but more commonly it is the muscles and bones of the 
hind parts that are affected. It is of frequent occurrence. 
Paralysis of the hind parts may come from a variety of 
causes such as: (i) Inflammation of the spinal cord. (2) 
From the pressure of tumors on the spinal cord, from 
the eneysting of parasites and from an over fat condition 
on the absence of exercise. (3) Injury from piling up 
in cold weather. (4) Indigestion and constipation. 
Prominent among the preventive measures are : Guarding 
against injury from the injuries named; feeding food 
that will ward off indigestion and that has in it a suitable 
proportion of the mineral elements, and giving ample 
exercise. There is nothing that will help the animal so 
quickly over this trouble as Pratts Animal Regulator. 
To relieve constipation Epsom salts may be given in 



122 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEBP AND HOGS 

the food or otherwise in doses of 2 to 8 ounces, accord- 
ing to the need. From 5 to 15 grains of Nux Vomica 
may also be given two or three times a day as a nerve 
invigorator. 

INFECTIOUS SORE MOUTH 

This trouble is not very prevalent, but when it does 
get into a herd of young pigs, it may cause much loss. 
It usually occurs in swine from a few days to several 
weeks old. It is a germ disease. Among the symptoms 
are an indisposition to nurse, inflamed patches usually 
on the jaws and lips which later form ulcers and in time 
slough off, thus making deep depressions around the 
mouth. The affected animals remain apart, are dull and 
stupid and lose flesh rapidly. To build up the run down 
condition always present in this ailment, use Pratts Ani- 
mal Regulator daily in their feed. 

The following has also proved efficacious: Dip the 
pig's head foremost into a solution of per-manginate of 
potassium every day for 3 or 4 days. They should be 
kept submerged as long as they can endure the ordeal. 
The solution should contain one ounce of the crystal dis- 
solved in each gallon of the water used. 

RHEUMATISM IN SWINE 

More commonly rheumatism results from cold, damp 
pens and exposure to cold rains, swine pens to the inner 
walls of which moisture clings are much liable to produce 
this trouble. Among these symptoms are : ( 1 ) Lameness 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 123 

in one or more of the extremities; stiffness and arching 
in the muscles of the back, and large swellings in the 
region of the knee, hock and other joints of the feet. 
Preventive measures are very important. These include 
furnishing dry quarters, a liberal supply of dry bedding 
frequently changed, a variety of laxative food, a suffi- 
ciency of exercise and covering cement floors with boards 
where the swine sleep. 

Pratts Animal Regulator will be found invaluable 
to relieve this disease. 

A tablespoonful of cod liver oil given to each pig 
once or twice a day in its food will also be helpful. 

QUINSY 

This disease sometimes assumes an epidemic form 
similar to distemper in young horses, and is fatal to a 
large number of young pigs, as well as older hogs. The 
symptoms are the swelling of the glands under the jaw; 
oppressed breathing; difficulty in swallowing. In the 
latter stages the neck is badly swollen, the tongue pro- 
trudes and death is caused by choking. The swelling 
sometimes takes a gangrenous form. It is caused by 
exposure to sudden changes of temperature; or by bad 
food, impure water or filthy enclosures ; and mortification 
at times sets in, which may cause death in a few hours. 
Hogs piling up around an old hayrick on cold nights will 
often be the cause. The ones underneath become so warm 
that when routed out in the morning, the cold air striking 



1254 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS SHEEP AND HOGS 

them, the sudden change will produce inflammation of 
the lungs, or quinsy. Young pigs often get quinsy. They 
should be kept warm, clean and in well ventilated pens; 
plenty of straw, and mess of gruel three times a day in 
which stir the usual quantity of Pratts Animal Regula- 
tor. If the bowels are constipated, this is all that is 
necessary, given in gruel form if too sick to eat; other- 
wise, mixed with the food in large doses to move the 
bowels freely. It may be well at first to give in gruel 
form, so as to move the bowels quickly, An ounce of 
castor oil to each pig can be added. In bad cases, to 
grease the throat well with equal parts of cod-liver oil 
and turpentine is good, no matter what remedy you use 
otherwise. Also, a deep cut into the tumor, from two 
to four inches long, and deep enough to reach the seat 
of the disease will relieve it. The diet should be a thin 
gruel, in which a teaspoonful of turpentine can be stirred. 

Another recipe, given as per our note on page 66> is : 
Four grains of Tartar Emetic ; six grains of Ipecacuanha j 
six -grains of White Hellebore. Mix together for older 
hogs, and half this dose for young pigs. 

Three or four drops of tincture of aconite, when 
dropped on the tongue every two hours, is said to be 
very excellent. However, in this disease, as in all others, 
we have been most successful in the use of Pratts Ani- 
mal Regulator alone. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 125 

CONSTIPATION 

Do not allow the pigs at any time to become con- 
stipated. A feverish condition arises from it, developing 
into some inflammatory disorder. The food should be 
changed, from time to time, green food being the best. 
Many people resort to Epsom salts; but the after effect 
is to constipate them more than ever; the best thing 
known to regulate the bowels is Pratts Animal Regulator 
mixed with the regular food. 

CATARRH 

This develops slowly and is not noticed at first. It 
inflames the mucous membrane of the nose passages. It 
is supposed to be hereditary in some instances. The ap- 
petite fails, the animal becomes poor and has a fever. 
It is a disease which is not often seen ; is of a scrofulous 
nature, often terminating in consumption. The animal 
should be kept dry, and given milk, boiled food, oat meal 
gruel, boiled barley, mashed fruit, cabbage, etc. ; food 
which does not require chewing is what it wants. If the 
bowels are constipated, first give Pratts Animal Regu- 
lator in gruel form. We mention as per our note on page 
66, as follows: Half an ounce of Glauber salts and a 
drachm of saltpetre mixed with honey, smeared well back 
on the tongue. Give three times daily, every other week, 
the following: One-half drachm of Sal-Ammoniac ; eight 
grains of Camphor. Mix with a little molasses and 
smear on the tongue. 



126 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

COUGH 

This is a local irritation and by many claimed again 
as a form of hog cholera. It is caused by an obstruction 
of the lungs. Pratts Animal Regulator, fed first in gruel 
form if the animal is costive, is a sure remedy; the throat 
and lungs should be rubbed with Pratts Liniment and 
the animal kept well blanketed; but we mention another 
remedy, as per our note on page 66 : Powdered castor 
bean, in two or three drachm doses ; mixed with molasses 
and smeared on the back of the tongue. 

KIDNEY WORMS 

It sometimes produces paralysis of the hind quar- 
ters. It is seldom fatal, and generally affects more than 
one hog in a herd. Pratts Hog Worm Powder,* mixed 
with the regular feed, will prevent or cure kidney worms. 
Rub the loins with Pratts Liniment every other day. 

PROTRUSION OF BOWELS IN PIGS 

This trouble is often caused by diarrhoea and weak- 
ness. Wash the parts well with water; then apply sugar 
of lead and water — a drachm of the lead to a pint of 
water, to which add a small quantity of laudanum; then 
gently press the part back, pushing up the finger a short 
distance. Three to five drops of laudanum may be given 
to each suckling pig to alleviate the pain. Pratts Ani- 
mal Regulator, fed in the regular feed, strengthens 
these parts and effects a permanent cure. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 127 

PII,ES 

Are known by blood passing off with the movement 
of the bowels, or blood stains around the anus. The 
disease is generally considered hard to cure. We would 
advise a change of food, such as sour milk, and especial- 
ly light, digestible things for a hog in this condition. In- 
jections of vinegar and water are good. Pratts Animal 
Regulator, fed regularly, will greatly relieve them. Our 
note mentions, on page 66 y we would give other endorsed 
recipes, so we mention: Sulphur, with cream of tartar, 
or castor oil in moderate doses. If the anus is swollen, 
apply vaseline. 

PARALYSIS OF THE HIND QUARTERS 
This is sometimes caused by worms in the kidneys. 
The animals show a weakness in the back, and often get 
up and run in a straight line quite fast, swinging to one 
side for a while and then go over to the other side ; final- 
ly get so bad that they fall over and can only drag them- 
selves about. The appetite is good until a few days 
before they die. Apply Pratts Liniment over the loins. 
Pratts Animal Regulator at first should be fed in gruel 
form ; reduce as the animal recovers. In accordance with 
our note on page 66, we give the following: Three 
drachms of powdered castor oil seeds, and eight ounces 
of rye flour; mixed in a quart of sour milk or thin gruel. 
Give this first thing in the morning; and repeat once a 
week. The following may be given two or three times 



128 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

a day: Four grains of powdered Nux Vomica, one-half 
drachm of powdered Anise Seed; one-half drachm of 
powdered Ginger. Mix with a little molasses and smear 
well back on the tongue. 

TO PREVENT PIGS FROM EATING THEIR YOUNG 

This is very frequent in some sows, and, if prevent- 
ed, they will sometimes keep their milk up, so that the 
pigs die of starvation. When this is not due to a dis- 
eased uterus, a mixture of ten to twenty grains of spirits 
of camphor, with one to three of tincture of opium, 
poured into the ear, will cause the sow to lie down and 
remain quiet for several hours (the effect of the opium), 
after which she will be rid of her feelings toward the 
young. Very often by rubbing the pigs with brandy, 
it will prevent the sow from eating them; and also put 
some brandy on the nose of the sow herself. The best 
thing, however, is to feed Pratts Animal Regulator prior 
to the birth of the pigs, which loosens the bowels and 
puts them in proper shape, preventing costiveness, re- 
ducing all fever, and acts as a mild tonic. 

I/ICE 

The hog pen should be thoroughly cleaned and dis- 
infected with Pratts Liquid Lice Killer. This prepara- 
tion is for external use only. For direct application on 
the hog use Pratts Powdered Lice Killer. Both of these 
articles are the strongest and most effective lice killers 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 129 

known, and will quickly do the work. After the pen 
is once infected with these lice, it takes prompt work 
to get rid of them. 

MANGE 

This is caused by an insect, which must be killed in 
order to cure the disease — not only on the pigs, but in 
the pens and surroundings, or wherever the pig rubs 
against. Pratts Liquid or Powdered Lice Killer will 
quickly rid the hogs of these insects. Mange is shown 
by small red blotches or pimples. 



PART III. 



PRATTS POINTERS 
THE SHEEP 



ON 




;$ 



SHEEP 



.- .~W&6* 



CHAPTER I. 
POINTERS FOR SHEEP GROWERS 

This discussion will consider mainly sheep as they 
are kept on the arable farm, though it will have some ref- 
erence also to growing them on the range. The methods 
of handling the flock under these widely differing con- 
ditions is in some respects very different. It is on the 
arable farm that sheep have come to be most neglected 
during recent years, a fact that is greatly to be regretted, 
because of the adverse influence which such neglect is 
sure to have on progressive agriculture. 

(130) 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 131 

The attempt should not be made to keep sheep under 
improper conditions, as to do so will certainly lead to 
disaster. Conditions are improper when they are kept on 
a very limited range of pasture, when they are grazed to 
any considerable extent on wet and soggy land, and when 
they drink from pools that are stagnant in the summer 
season. Sheep by nature like much freedom for exercise. 
They crave that variety of foods which changed pastures 
bring to them. Feeding on wet and marshy pastures are 
the certain harbingers of disease. If long continued such 
grazing will assuredly bring disaster to the flock because 
of the parasitic invasion that is sure to follow. 

The benefits from sheep husbandry, especially on the 
arable farm, are very great. They include the following : 
i. Sheep are inveterate weed destroyers. If allowed ac- 
cess to the fields, they will not only feed upon nearly all 
kinds of weeds, turning them into mutton, but they will 
also consume immense quantities of weed seeds that may 
be growing in the stubbles or pastures, thus preventing 
them from growing. 2. A small flock .on the average farm 
may be sustained through all the pasture season virtually 
on food that would otherwise be wasted, as for instance 
food that grows amid the stubbles, along the fence borders 
and in other by-places on the farm. 3. No kind of live 
stock brings with it so much of enrichment to the land 
as sheep. This is owing largely to the condition in which 



132 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

the droppings are distributed over the land without cost 
to the owner. 4. Sheep call for less protection than any 
other kind of live stock kept upon the farm. They graze 
in the fields during a longer period, and they are more 
easily fed than any other kind of live stock. 5. They bring 
returns twice a year, that is in the flesh and in the wool. 
6. They will furnish the farmer with a large portion of the 
fresh meat which he wants for all the year. 

From what has been said it is clearly apparent that 
a small flock of sheep should be kept on almost every ara- 
ble farm. Such a consummation would double the sheep 
of the United States many times, and it would do so with- 
out lessening production in any other line. 

FOUNDATION STOCK 

When breeding pure-breds, the foundation animals 
should be drawn only from good flocks, properly pedi- 
greed and of good individuality. When making selec- 
tions, due regard must be had to all requisites called for 
in the scale of points, and to individuality in the animals. 
Animals that have .been much fitted for the show ring 
should be passed by as a rule, lest they should prove shy- 
breeders. Every one should not engage in the breeding 
of pure bred sheep. To make a decided success of the 
work calls for the exercise of the most skilful judgment 
and for careful attention to every detail of the work. 

For grades, the foundation animals may be of the 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHBHP AND HOGS 13d 

commonest kinds, providing they are healthy. Of course 
the individuality as to form should be given careful at- 
tention. It matters but little what the breeding of such 
animals may be, as the improvement through up-grading 
may be so quickly made when a pure bred ram is chosen 
to effect improvement. Instances are on record wherein 
range sheep of the commonest kinds, brought in from the 
range, have given a progeny by such a line of breeding, in 
two generations, which has beaten the world, in the show 
rings of the International at Chicago. 

The sources from which to draw such stock are two. 
The first of these is the arable farm. The second is the 
range. Those obtained on the arable farm will probably 
be more advanced in breeding than those brought in from 
the range, but to obtain them will probably involve 
greater outlay. Foundation stocks can be most readily 
and most cheaply obtained in the stock yards in the 
autumn. Young females will answer best if they can be 
gotten. If they cannot older ones will do. Both classes 
can be obtained at meat prices. 

Every care, however, should be taken to guard 
against the introduction of diseases. Those most to be 
guarded against are sheep scab and internal parasites. 
The latter sometimes prove a veritable scourge. When 
purchased from some local flock, every care should be 
taken to get all needed information about its freedom 



134 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

from parasitic diseases. When purchased at the stock 
yards, such information is not obtainable, but range sheep 
are not much liable to be affected with these troubles. 

THE BREED OR GRADE TO CHOOSE 

There is large room for choice in the breed or grade 
that will be introduced. To some extent it should depend 
on the grazing. The small breeds are best adapted to 
rugged and sparse pastures. To some extent it should 
be based on the extent to which wool or mutton is de- 
sired, and again on the market, as some markets call for 
a certain type of sheep. 




SOUTHDOWN RAM 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 135 

The following classifications will be found fairly cor- 
rect: It is based on the fineness of the wool. The fine 
wool breeds are the American Merino, the Delaine Me- 
rino and the Rambouillet. The middle wool breeds are 
the Southdown, Tunis, Shropshire, Dorset, Cheviot, Suf- 
folk, Hampshire and Oxford. The coarse wool breeds 
are the Leicester, Lincoln, Cots wold, and Black- faced 
Highland. The wool is fine, probably, in these breeds in 
the order named. 




For wool mainly, the Merinos have highest adapta- 
tion, but rightly handled they are fairly good also for 
mutton. The Southdowns make the very finest mutton 
but are small. The Shropshires are very popular for mut- 
ton and wool production. From the Tunis and the Dorset 
winter lambs can be grown, but more especially from the 
latter. It would be correct to say that at the present time 
the dark-faced breeds are the most popular for mutton. 



136 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

The Leicester, Lincoln and Cotswold breeds, heavy wool 
producers, are not quite so much in demand now as they 
were in former years. 

BREEDING SHEEP 

When breeding pure-bred sheep, every attention 
should be given to all the requisites of form called for in 
the standard, to the wool characteristics called for in the 
same, and to color markings and even fancy points, while 
there is more or less of similarity in form, yet there is 
considerable difference, and there is much difference also 
in the size. These differences can only be learned from 
the standards and by observation. 

The same is true of the wool furnishings which call 
for even more careful study and observation than the 
properties pertaining to conformation. The color mark- 
ings, carefully stated in the standards, are discernible 
chiefly in the markings of the face and legs. The fancy 
points, such as wool on the foretop and over the head, 
and the size and carriage of the ear, are all valuable as 
evidences of correct breeding, but too much must not be 
made of them. 

When breeding grades, more especially when mut- 
ton is the dominant object sought, the following essen- 
tials are important and probably in the order named: I. 
A compact and squarely built form and standing on short 
legs. 2. A broad back at every part and level and firm, 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 137 

with a broad and well covered loin. 3. Good and full de- 
velopment of the hind quarter, including a low thigh and 
full twist. 4. Good development of the fore quarter, in- 
cluding much width and fulness of breast and brisket. 
5. A rich flesh colored or pink skin. 6. A fleece possessed 
of much evenness in length and texture of wool and well 
distributed over the body. 

When breeding grades, the sires should be chosen 
from that breed which is nearest to the ideal of the 
breeder. It is not really necessary that they shall be well 
up in the fancy points of the breeds, providing they have 
the more important furnishings, and this means that they 
may in many instances be purchased for less money. 

The stamping of wool characteristics is much slower 
than of those that pertain to form, and change in some 
of the characters of wool, as length for instance, is more 
easily made than change in texture. 

IMPROVING THE FI,OCK 

A pure bred flock can usually be brought to a higher 
standard by rigid selection of the best types, male and 
female, and by continually discarding as breeders those 
below a certain standard, and by furnishing liberal and 
suitable food supplies accompanied by good care. The 
sires may sometimes be chosen from within the flock, but 
not in all instances. 



138 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEHP AND HOGS 

The improving of grades comes through the use of 
pure sires, accompanied by a most rigorous selection. 
The process, as in breeding cattle, is to use a sire of some 
one of the pure breeds, and not to introduce a sire of 
any of the other breeds without the best of reasons. In 
the very first cross of such breeding upon the commonest 
kind of ewes, the lambs will be such as will meet the de- 
mands of the mutton market in fine form. Especially is 
this true of the first cross upon range stocks, which are 
usually possessed of much stamina, whatever may be the 
characteristics of their individuality. Three to four gen- 
erations of such breeding will not fail to bring up this 
improvement to the standard of the pure breed from 
which the sires have been chosen, as far as individuality 
is concerned relating to form. To secure as much im- 
provement in the wool qualities will call for more time. 

Whether breeding pure breds or grades, the culling 
process should go on without intermission. No sheep 
should be kept for future breeding that is possessed of 
undesirable form or wool covering. Where such a process 
of elimination is rigidly adhered to, the standard for the 
average of the flock will soon be rapidly improved. 

The best time for culling the flock is at the weaning 
season. At this time the culling should be most rigid. 
All ewes should be discarded with properties that are un- 
desirable. These properties include ewes that have gone 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 139 

beyond the proper age for breeding, those that have form 
or covering that is undesirable, and those that have any 
defects of udder. The age at which breeding ewes should 
be turned off of course varies much. Merino types, espe- 
cially when grown on the range, will breed successfully 
for a longer term of years than ewes that are kept under 
conditions that are more artificial. Ewes should never 
be kept after the teeth begin to fail unless they are fed 
on specially prepared food suited to their needs, and that 
is not costly, as, for instance, sugar beet pulp that may 
be obtained in proximity to a factory. Ordinarily three 
crops of lambs are obtained from grade ewes before they 
are turned off. The first crop is usually furnished by 
ewes that are two years old. When the third crop of 
lambs is obtained, the ewes are then four years old. At 
that age they will fatten in full form for the market. 
Pure bred ewes are frequently kept to a greater age, and 
the same is true of ewes kept on the range. 

SUMMER FOODS FOR SHEEP 

Sheep revel in a great variety of grasses, and yet 
they may in some instances do well on a single grass or 
on a limited number. Kentucky blue grass and its hand- 
maid, white clover, are especially suitable for sheep pas- 
cures. The Buffalo and Bunch grasses of the range also 
make a superexcellent combination. Notwithstanding, 
sheep seem to crave a variety of grasses, insomuch that 



140 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

vegetation exists in but few forms on which they will 
not feed ravenously, if they can but have access to it in the 
early stages of its growth. 

Quite as important, however, as variety in the 
grasses is freshness in the same. Sheep shun vegetation 
that is woody, and they will not do well on it, howsoever 
abundant it may be. Because of this it is eminently wise 
to try and change the sheep frequently on pastures, that 
they may feed upon them in all their freshness while 
green and succulent. 

Many supplemental pastures may be grown for 
sheep. These include mixed grains, rye grown alone, 
dwarf Essex rape and even corn. The grain pastures may 
be eaten down two or three times under some conditions 
of grazing. The rape plant and in some sections Kale, is 
par excellence the grazing plant for sheep that is supple- 
mental in its character. In many instances it is possible 
to grow two or three of these grazing crops in succes- 
sion in one season. Such cropping furnishes a very large 
amount of grazing, and is greatly helpful in cleaning the 
land. 

WINTER FOODS POR SHEEP 

In winter as in summer, sheep will revel on a variety 
of foods if they can have access to them. This should 
be borne in mind when providing fodders for them. 
Mixed grains, as peas and oats on vetches, and grown 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 141 

thickly and cut a little under ripe, make excellent fodder 
for them. Millet also is good. The finer clovers grown 
in combination are excellent. No single fodder is better 
than alfalfa. Corn fodder and sorghum are also good 
when properly grown. The same is true of good pea 
straw. But even when feeding upon fodder of an excel- 
lent character, sheep will be able to obtain food from the 
cereal straws when these are fed to them say once a day, 
the residue being used for bedding. 




PORTABLE FEEDING RACK 

There should also be succulence in the winter fodder. 
This cannot be better furnished than in the form of sugar 
beet pulp or of field roots. Any kind of field roots may 
answer the purpose. In many localities the sheep may 
graze more or less in the winter season, and where they 
can the succulence thus furnished will be very helpful to 
them. 

SHEI/TER FOR SHEEP 

In winter, sheep call for protection from storms and 
wind. This done, they will endure much cold. In sum- 
mer they want protection from heat and flies. The 
lambs, when young, also call for special protection. 



142 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



Under some conditions, a dense grove in a sheltered 
spot may furnish ample protection for a flock of sheep, 
especially of the fine wooled types. The denseness of the 
fleece which they carry, and the oily character of the 




ROOT CUTTER AND PUMPER 

same, is a great protection from injury from storms, es- 
pecially rain storms. Usually, however, the protection of 
a shed is necessary, especially during a part of the winter. 
It may be of cheap construction, as of poles covered with 
straw, or it may have walls of baled straw, provided with 
some kind of roof. The roof in all instances should ex- 




SHESP BARN 

elude rain. A floor is not a necessity in a sheep shed 
where the ground is dry, and such a structure should 
never be erected on wet ground. 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 143 

A more permanent structure should have: i. A loft 
overhead for carrying a large amount of fodder and bed- 
ding. 2. Movable divisions so that these may be made 
large or small as occasion may call for. 3. A passageway 
along which food may be conveyed from end to end, 
whether fodder or grain. 4. Racks which will hold fod- 
der and grain for the sheep from which they can feed 




SHEEP SHED 

readily without chaff and straw getting into the wool. 
5. Doors opening into each compartment that are cut in 
two so as to admit of easy access of ventilation when de- 
sired, and of easy access to the yards. 6. Yards of more 
or less size that may be kept continually well bedded in 
winter. 7. A pen or pens lined so as to be warm, in 
which lambs may safely come into life in cold and stormy 
weather. 

The storms that injure sheep most are sleet or rain 
storms. Exposure to these is extremely hurtful. This 
is especially true of the breeds which have wool long and 
open. Rain penetrates such wool more or less. Such 
storms are especially fatal to lambs, even though they 
survive, the injury from such exposure is very great. 



144 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 




CHEAP SHEEP SHED 

The protection from winter winds may be secured 
by running a high and close board fence around the yard, 
in other instances by building stacks on the windward 
side, and in yet other instances by locating the shed con- 
tiguous to a grove. Constant exposure to winter winds, 
especially to such winter winds as blow in prairie areas, 
is harmful to sheep. 

Protection from excessive heat is furnished of course 
by suitable shades in the pastures, but in no way can 
sheep have protection from heat and flies more perfectly 
furnished than when they have access to a shed or stable 
well ventilated and yet dark. This may be accomplished 
by covering the open windows with some coarse kind of 
sacking. When the sheep may have free access to these, 
they will readily seek such protection in a voluntary 
manner. 

When the lambs come in cold weather, it should be 
in a warm pen and well lighted, into which the ewes are 
drafted a day or two before the lambs come. Naturally 
artificial heat is not necessary, but it may be furnished in 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 145 

exceptional instances. This apartment should have mov- 
able divisions in it. but these should be of small size. 



WATER FCR SHEEP 

Contrary to the belief of many, it is very important 
that sheep shall be supplied with water. They can live 
without it being supplied to them in the usual way, but 
not without privation. The grass in summer supplies 
them with enough to support life, even when it is dry, 
and they may consume snow in winter. But the eager- 
ness with which they drink water in summer and also in 
winter when on dry feed, shows the greatness of their 
need for it. 

In the pastures there is no better way of supplying 
water than through a running stream or a spring. Next 
to such a source is pure water pumped up from a well. 
Water from a pond is vicious and from a stagnant marsh 
it will soon bring disaster. When the pastures are very 
succulent they may not need water at all. 

In winter it is best supplied in the sheds, that is under 
cover. It is not necessary that it shall be heated. When 
sheep are being fattened or when breeding ewes are nurs- 
ing their young, they will ordinarily consume large quan- 



146 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

tities of water, but when field roots are plentifully sup- 
plied, the necessity for water is much .less than it would 
otherwise be. Another way is to supply it in buckets in 
each apartment, which may be replenished daily from a 
pail. 



THE FI/OCK IN SUMMER 

In summer the chief requisites are : Juicy and abund- 
ant pastures while the ewes are suckling their lambs and 
especially in the early part of the season; ample range 
for the sheep during the summer, to provide them with 
an occasional change in the forage ; proper grading of the 
flock with reference to pastures at weaning time and mak- 
ing provision for suitable grazing in the late autumn or 
early winter. 

The weaning season is an excellent time for grading 
the flock. The ewe lambs when weaned should be put on 
a pasture by themselves, and the ram lambs likewise by 
themselves, that is, those intended for future breeding on 
the farm or on other farms. The aim should be to have 
good pastures ready for them. The same provision should 
be made for lambs that are to be made ready for the mar- 
ket. All the ewes that have raised lambs should have the 
udders milked out once or oftener at proper intervals. 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 147 

The cull ewes should then be put on good pastures, prefer- 
ably rape, and fattened quickly for the market, as it will 
not pay to fatten them in the winter as a rule, especially 
when they are old. 

It is a good plan also to have grazing in reserve for 
the late autumn and early winter, on the principle that it 
is cheaper to keep sheep on grazing than on other food, 
and it is also better for the sheep. 



THE FI,OCK IN WINTER 

On going into winter quarters the flock should again 
be graded. The breeding ewes should be apart from 
those too young to breed, and the stock ram or rams 
should be kept apart as each division calls for feeding not 
quite the same as for the others. The rams, in addition 
to fodder, should have field roots, the most objectionable 
for them being mangels. They require little or no grain 
if a few pounds of sliced roots are fed daily. The ewes, 
too young to breed, should be given some grain, prefer- 
ably oats, or oats and peas, a pound of the mixture being 
fed daily. They should be given field roots if they are to 
be had. The breeding ewes, in addition to good fodder, 
should be given about a pound a day each of grain, prefer- 
ably consisting of oats with a little bran added, and only 



148 PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

a few pounds of field roots or beet pulp per day. Ensilage 
may take the place of roots, but it does not exactly fill the 
place of the former. 

Subsequently to lambing, no change should be made 
in the food for a day or two, after which the grain and 
roots should be gradually increased until that limit is 
reached nearly up to the capacity of the animals to take 
these foods. When turned out to graze, the change 
should be very gradually made. When on full and suc- 
culent pasture, the ewes do not need any grain. All grain 
fed may be given in the unground form. 

THE CARE OF LAMBS 

The season at which lambs should come depends up- 
on the object for which they are grown. When grown 
as winter lambs they should come in November and De- 
cember. When grown as stock lambs they should ordi- 
narily come from say some time in February until the 
turning out season. When grown for the autumn and 
winter market following, it is not really essential that 
they shall come before the turning out season into graz- 
ing. 

When the ewes are vigorous and the temperature is 
not too cold, young lambs newly born are soon on their 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 149 

feet, and able to take care of themselves, but even under 
the most favorable conditions it is well if the farmer or 
shepherd, as the case may be, is on hand when the young 
lambs are born, as various attentions may be called for, 
any one of which may involve the life or death of a lamb. 
When they are two or three days old, they may be drafted 
to an apartment where other ewes and young lambs are 
kept. In this way each sheep will get the proper kind of 
food. When lambs are only a few days old they will en- 
dure low temperatures without much harm, hence they 
should be allowed free access to the yards at such a time, 
along with the dams. Too close confinement may prove 
fatal to their well being. 

As soon as the lambs will eat, which will be when 
they are about two weeks old, they should be encouraged 
to do so. This can best be effected by making for them 
what is called a "creep," that is an enclosure with food 
inside which will admit the lambs but which will not ad- 




LAMB CREEP 



150 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

mit the ewes. The food should consist of meal, as ground 
oats, at first and oil meal, and later of whole oats and oil 
meal. They may also be given roots finely sliced, and 
fine clover or alfalfa. Whether the creep should be used 
in the field when they are on grass, will depend on the 
object sought. Ordinarily it is not necessary when rear- 
ing show lambs. 

When lambs are dropped on the pastures, they come 
into life with but little hazard when the weather is good, 
but it is always wise to have the flock visited two or three 
times a day. Such visits may prevent much loss, espe- 
cially in times of adverse weather. Exposure to cold 
rains at such a time may prove peculiarly harmful. Male 
lambs intended for fall or winter fattening should be cas- 
trated when from one to three weeks old, and all lambs 
should be docked under the age of one week. 




HURDLE FOR EWES 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 151 

Lambs are usually weaned when from 16 to 18 weeks 
old. As soon as weaned they should be graded as outlined 
previously, and put on pastures good and succulent. An 
additional grain supplement, fed to them at such a time, 
will be helpful. Oats, or oats and some other grain will 
answer the purpose well, and only a small quantity, as 
say half a pound, is needed. If on good rape pastures 
the grain supplement will not be needed. 



GROWING WINTER I/AMBS 

Winter lambs may be obtained from Dorset and 
Tunis dams, but most readily from the former. They 
may also be obtained from grade ewes of other breeds, 
in which the breeding habit has been so changed that they 
drop lambs in the fall rather than in the spring. This 
change may be brought about in two or three generations 
by the use of Dorset sires accompanied by selection and 
certain kinds of feeding. When such lambs come in No- 
vember and December, they are ready after the glut of 
the Christinas season is over, and before what is ordinar- 
ily known as spring lamb is on the market. Winter lamb 
is, therefore, a luxury, coming in at a special season and 
commanding a special price, where markets have been 
established for the same. 



152 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

While suckling their lambs the dams should be given 
all the grain of suitable kinds that they will eat. They 
should be given good protein fodders as alfalfa or clover 
hay, and all the field roots that they will consume. When 
feeding them, the aim should be to secure all the milk 
that it is possible to obtain in order to promote rapid 
growth in the lambs. The lambs should be given grain 
that will produce growth and a fat and plump condition. 
For such feeding a grain ration composed of cracked or 
broken corn kernels and oil meal is peculiarly helpful. 

It is all important that the lambs shall be plump and 
fat at an early age, otherwise the object for which they 
have been grown may not be attained. They should 
weigh from 40 to 50 pounds at the age of 60 to 75 days. 
The place of consignment should be known beforehand. 
In some instances they are shipped alive, in others in the 
dressed or partially dressed form. 



FATTENING SHEEP AND I,AMBS ON PASTURE 

Both sheep and lambs may be fattened on almost 
any kind of palatable pasture, providing a grain supple- 
ment is given to them. This may not always be neces- 
sary, but usually it is helpful. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 153 

The best grazing on which to fatten them is dwarf 
Essex rape. In from 8 to 10 weeks sheep or lambs should 
be ready for the market when grazed on good and well 
grown rape, and without any grain supplement. But 
care should be exercised when turning them onto the rape, 
lest there shall be loss from bloat, and when it has iiiuch 
frost on it, lest it should give rise to stomach troubles. 

Some small kind of corn that is leafy and of fine 
growth may also be grown to provide grazing, on which 
sheep and lambs may be finished. The squaw corn or 
some of the sweet corns will answer the purpose very 
well. Early and later varieties should be grown to pro- 
long the grazing period. They are also finished in some 
instances in the dry mountain States of the West on 
grazing furnished by peas and oats grown together. 

FATTENING SHEEP AND LAMBS IN WINTER 

The aim should be to feed leguminous fodders. Al- 
falfa, clover, vetch and pea hay are all excellent. Millet 
cut reasonably early and fine grown corn or sorghum are 
also good, but not so good as the former. Woody, 
coarse and over-ripe clover or alfalfa and also timothy 
well matured, are of but little use for such feeding. The 
same is true of coarse corn stalks. 



154 PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

The following grains are excellent: (i) Oats and 
peas in the proportions of i and 2 parts by weight; (2) 
oats and barley equal parts; (3) oats and corn equal 
parts; (4) oats and speltz 1 and 2 parts; (5) oats and 
wheat 1 and 3 parts; (6) good screenings fed alone; (7) 
screenings and corn 2 and 1 parts. Where oats may not 
be had, bran may take the place of that grain, but a much 
less quantity of the bran will suffice. It is well also to 
feed less of the light grain ration and more of the heavier 
as the feeding season advances. The grain ration should 
also be introduced gradually, but after a few weeks, usu- 
ally two to three, the sheep may be allowed to take all 
that they eat with a relish of the grain, the fodder being 
supplemental. If 5 to 10 per cent, of the grain ration is 
oil cake, the fattening will be even more satisfactory. 
Field roots instead will also be helpful. 

The feeding period usually continues for about 12 
weeks. It may be hastened somewhat, dependent on the 
condition of the sheep when the fattening begins. In 
some instances it may not run for more than 8 weeks, in 
others for twice that period. 

SHEARING SHEEP 

The aim should be to shear sheep as early as this can 
be done without bringing prolonged discomfort to them. 
How early will depend on the climate and to some extent 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 156 

on the season, but it ought to be early enough to prevent 
them from suffering with excessive heat. On the arable 
farm in the northern States they should be shorn some 
time in April. But when thus shorn it may be necessary 
to house them temporarily in very cold or in stormy 
weather. In the open range country they are frequently 
not shorn until May or into June, lest the sudden storms 
that occur there should bring disaster to them. 

The shearing is now done almost entirely by machin- 
ery when many are to be shorn. These machines are run 
by some kind of power, and they do the work with much 
despatch and effectiveness. Where the flocks are small, 
the shearing is still done by hand. Before the shearing, 
the sheep should be tagged, that is clots of filth should be 
removed such as gather about the tailhead, especially at 
that season of the year when grass is springing into suc- 
culent life. 

Some years ago the practice was almost universal of 
washing sheep in a pond or brook, before shearing them. 
This practice is now almost entirely abandoned, for the 
reason first that it delays the shearing to a period unduly 
late, second that it is not necessary now that the home 
manufacturing of cloth has been abandoned, and third 
that it does away with a process not unattended with 
hazard to the well-being of the sheep and sometimes the 
.washer. 



156PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

MBA T FROM SHEEP ON THE FARM 

Meat is now by far the costliest staple food that is 
consumed in this country. The indications point to the 
conclusion that with the increase in population the price 
of meat will tend all the while to go higher. The farmer 
may supply his own table practically all the year, and 
there is no class of meat that he can furnish so cheaply 
as mutton since it may be grown very largely on the waste 
pasturage of the farm. 

When a mutton is killed in the summer season it 
may readily be kept from spoiling in an apartment of the 
ice house where the farmer has one. The apartment 
should be enclosed to keep the meat free from any extra- 
neous matters. This is one of the simplest and at the 
same time one of the cheapest methods of thus keeping 
mutton. 

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS 

Sheep, like cattle, should be well supplied with salt 
both summer and winter. It is most necessary and help- 
ful when the pastures are the most succulent, but it is 
helpful at all seasons of the year. In summer it is best 
supplied in a covered trough in the pastures to which 
they may have access at all times, and in winter they 
should have similar access to it in a clean trough or vessel 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 157 

in the pens. Where they cannot be given such access, 
salt should be supplied to them quite frequently in the 
food, but in limited quantity at one time. 

In the winter season, where the snowfall is consid- 
erable, it may be a difficult problem to furnish sheep with 
enough of exercise to best meet their needs. To keep 
them closely housed much of the time and hedged into a 
small yard, will be fatal to their well doing. They never 
do so well as when they can have more or less access to 
the fields in winter. To encourage them to take exercise 
the plan has sometimes been adopted of drawing food to 
some place that is sheltered and strewing it over the 
ground for the sheep to pick up. The way to this feeding 
ground may be kept open when necessary by the* aid of 
a snow plow. 

Sheep should also be carefully protected from burs 
in the fields. There are such as burdocks, cockle burs and 
Spanish needles, also sand burs. When sheep pasture 
amid these in the autumn the burs adhere to their wool 
and to the extent sometimes of rendering the fleece of 
little value. The remedy is clear. Either the burs should 
be prevented from forming or the sheep should be kept 
away from the pastures infested by them. 

The most serious menace to the future of the sheep 
industry at the present time in the United States is the 



158 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

dog. Especially is this true in proximity to towns and 
cities and even villages. These are rapidly increasing, 
and as they increase they bring increasingly this menace 
with them. The statement is too true which says that 
the sheep husbandry has been literally wiped out in many 
places where once it flourished, and for no other reason 
than that of the incessant attacks made upon it by vagrant 
dogs. The wolves are still a serious menace in many of 
the range States, but even there they do far less harm to 
this industry than is done by dogs even in the most sensi- 
ble and sane communities. Legislation should remedy 
this crying evil, but legislation is slow to move in the 
matter, lest it should incur the ill-will of that great army 
of hunters who are owners of dogs. Meantime the only 
effective protection is that which comes through the shot- 
gun or the medium of poison. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 169 



CHAPTER II. 

DISEASES COMMON 
TO SHEEP. 



CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION AND CURE 

Before treating on the above, however, we refer you 
to the note on page 66, which it would be well to look 
over carefully before reading our remarks in reference to 
diseases of sheep. 

Sheep are generally healthy animals, and few cases 
of sickness occur when they are properly taken care of 
unless certain parasites gain entrance to the flock. The 
ailments that have proved most destructive in America are 
stomach worms and tape worms. When neglected or 
improperly fed, however, like all other animals, they de- 
velop many ailments which frequently prove fatal unless 
promptly attended to. The symptoms of disease can 
usually be seen far enough in advance by careful watch- 
ing, so that very few cases need prove fatal if the proper 
remedies are applied at the right time. 



160 PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

STOMACH WORMS IN SHEEP 

The stomach worm is a small thread-like worm that 
inhabits the fourth stomach of sheep. During recent 
years this worm has led to more serious loss in lambs than 
probably all other diseases combined, If the stomach of 
an infected animal is examined just after death, the 
worms may be seen with the naked eye, floating about in 
its contents or adhering to the mucous membrane. The 
animals infected have a starved appearance. The skin be- 
comes pale and the wool dry and harsh. Scouring is more 
or less frequent, and in some instances constant. The life 
history, like that of the tape worm is not fully known. 
Old sheep are much less harmed than lambs. The pre- 
ventive measures consist in breeding from the same flocks 
when they are all known to be healthy and grazing the 
ewes during the early part of the season on grain pastures 
rather than on old grass pastures. 

Worms in sheep can be quickly and permanently 
cured by Pratts Specially Prepared Worm Powder. It is 
a safe, pure vegetable remedy for both lambs and full 
grown sheep. 

THE BROAD TAPE WORM 

The broad tape worm frequently works great havoc 
among lambs when present in the flock. It consists of a 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 161 

head and many segments. When reactive the segments 
shed off from time to time and in this way the pastures be- 
come sources of infection. Sheep that feed on pastures 
low and damp are much more troubled with the disease 
than those that graze upon pastures more elevated. This 
trouble is almost entirely confined to lambs under the age 
of four to five months. The affected lambs become emaci- 
ated, the skin becomes pale and light and the wool dry and 
harsh. In the later stages of the disease there is more or 
less of diarrhoea, accompanied by a slow and tottering 
gait. The lambs die of exhaustion. Preventive measures 
include breeding from the same flock during successive 
years and changing the pastures frequently where the 
disease has lingered. Pratts Specially Prepared Worm 
Powder is an unfailing remedy for tape worms in sheep. 

&UNG WORMS IN SHEEP 

These are of two kinds, the hair lung worm and the 
thread lung worm. Both inhabit the bronchial tubes. 
The eggs are taken up by sheep and lambs in the pastures 
or in water and in some way find their way into the lungs. 
The indications of their presence are a dry and pale blue, 
harsh wool, and in the later stages a deep cough. Nasal 
discharge is copious when the thread lung worm is pres- 
ent. For the hair lung worm, which is very small, treat- 



162 PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ment has availed but little. For the thread lung worm 
fumigation with certain substances has done some good, 
but on the whole treatment has not proved very satisfac- 
tory. Much attention should be given to changing and 
renewing the pastures by disinfecting with Pratts Dip and 
Disinfectant, and to providing the sheep with pure water. 



DIGESTIVE TROUBLES IN SHEEP 

Feeding food continuously that is dry and woody is 
much liable to produce digestive troubles. The most com- 
mon of these is impaction of the food in the third stom- 
ach. It leads to constipation and in some instances to in- 
flammation of the bowels. A constipated condition of the 
bowels is always harmful. Any such tendency should al- 
ways be warded off by feeding daily some such laxative 
food as field roots, wheat, bran, oil cake or flax, along 
with the dry food. Do not fail to give Pratts Animal 
Regulator three times a day until improvement is noted. 
It is a wonderful digestive, tonic and all around regulator. 

Impaction may also be relieved by giving Epsom 
salts. The dose for a mature animal of say 150 pounds, 
is four to six ounces, dissolved in a pint of hot water. If 
not relieved in say ten hours the dose should be repeated. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 16Sf 

CONSTIPATION 

Usually caused by a change in food. Frequently 
when sheep are changed from green pasture to dry fod- 
der. Passages are hard and dry, and the animal moans 
with pain while the bowels are being moved. Costiveness 
is bad and should not be allowed to continue. Where 
Pratts Animal Regulator is fed, constipation does not oc- 
cur. In cases of severe costiveness give in large doses 
and then decrease gradually. If it is a very severe case, 
an injection of warm water and soapsuds should be made, 
which will give relief. Constipation which usually occurs 
in winter, may be almost entirely prevented by feeding 
succulent food as field roots. 

As mentioned in our note on page 66, we give the 
following formula: One teaspoonful fluid extract of 
leptandra, two ounces Glauber salts in half pint of thin 
gruel, and drench the animal well. 

DIARRHCEA 

This usually occurs from sudden changes of diet, 
or damp and foggy weather. It may originate with eat- 
ing food over succulent. Liberal doses of Pratts Animal 
Regulator should be given in gruel form to thoroughly 
cleanse the bowels, and then gradually decrease to a suf- 
ficient quantity to keep the bowels in proper condition, at 



164 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEHP AND HOGS 

which time mix with the regular feed. No grain should 
be fed at such times except oats and the dirt should be 
sparing till the trouble is relieved. It should be attended 
to promptly, however, as it often proves fatal. As per 
our note on page 66, we mention the following: One 
gill scalded milk, one drachm hyposulphite of soda, and 
one ounce pulverized animal charcoal. To a lamb give 
one-half this quantity, and repeat as often as seems neces- 
sary. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS 

This does not often occur, but when it does, it is gen- 
erally caused by impure water or bad food. Again, it may 
come from sudden cold. The symptoms are red, watery 
eyes, bowels are inactive, breathing short and difficult, fol- 
lowed by fever and loss of appetite and flesh. We would 
advise large and liberal doses of Pratts Animal Regula- 
tor, to move the bowels freely, and then gradually de- 
crease until the bowels become natural, and mix with the 
regular feed. We give the following, however, in accord- 
ance with note on page 66 : A dose of linseed oil, castor 
oil or Epsom salts to move the bowels, and then give the 
animal proper care and nourishment. 

SHEEP SCAB 

Sheep Scab causes greater loss to the sheep of the 
United States than any of the external parasites that prey 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 165 

upon them, It is produced by minute insects, many of 
them too small to be seen with the aid of the naked eye. 
Usually, however, if a tuft of wool is pulled out near the 
edge of the infected part, little curving objects may be 
noticed by the unaided eye near the base of the wool fibres 
or among the scales adhering to these. They irritate the 
skin by biting it, thus producing an intolerable itching. 
The continuous rubbing of the sheep wears out the vital 
forces of the animal and may thus cause its death. The 
remedy consists in dipping the sheep twice, one week 
apart. The first dipping is to kill the nits already hatched 
and the second to kill those that hatch later. For this pur- 
pose use i part Pratts Dip and Disinfectant to 70 parts 
water. Pratts Dip has obtained the United States Gov- 
ernment's rating of 1 to 70 for Official Dipping to cure 
Sheep Scab. 

The sheep should then be removed from their old 
surroundings for at least twenty days. The nits cannot 
live for more than twenty days apart from the sheep and 
ordinarily not more than twelve to fifteen days. Ticks 
may usually be removed by one careful dipping annually. 
The best time for dipping sheep and lambs is just after 
the shearing time. 

BX,OAT IN SHEEP 

Bloat in sheep is caused by the generation of gas con- 
sequent upon the taking hurriedly into the stomach of 



166 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

large quantities of green food by animals that are hun- 
gry. Chief among the foods that are most dangerous 
when thus eaten are alfalfa, clover and rape. Certain 
kinds of weeds may produce the same result. The dan- 
ger is always greater when the pastures are wet with dew 
or rain. The preventive measures consist in keeping 
the sheep away from such pastures when hungry, and es- 
pecially where the pastures are wet, and in cutting and 
feeding such food after it has wilted more or less. The 
treatment for bloat must be very prompt or the sheep will 
soon die from suffocation. It consists in tapping the 
paunch with Pratts trocar and allowing the gas to escape 
through a canuala inserted into the incision. The punc- 
ture should be made in the bowel depression midway be- 
tween the last rib and the hip, and about three inches be- 
low the backbone. 

BRONCHITIS 

In this disease there is an inflammation of the air 
passages, and if not promptly checked, inflammation of 
the lungs will follow. The symptoms are very much 
like catarrh, only the cough is more severe and there is 
some fever and loss of appetite. The treatment in this 
case is Pratts Animal Regulator, if very severe, in gruel 
form, and gradually reducing the dose and the length of 
time between doses, until the animal is in shape to eat, 
and then mix with the regular feed. 






PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 167 

At the same time, as per our note on page 66 , we 
give the following: One drachm saltpetre, one drachm 
powdered gentian, and one ounce linseed oil, given for 
three or four days. 

PLEURISY 

This is an inflammation of the membrane surround- 
ing the lungs, and is very acute and painful. It is caused 
by exposure, low condition of the system and is not con-, 
tagious; but many animals of the same flock often are 
taken sick because they are likely to be subjected to the 
same lack of care or exposure which causes it. Preven- 
tion is much better than cure, and by proper care pleurisy 
should be prevented. We advise Pratts Animal Regula- 
tor ; if the animal is very sick, in gruel form in large doses 
to move the bowels, and gradually decrease until the 
bowels are in good shape, then mix with regular feed. 

However, we give the following, as per note on page 
66 : One drachm nitrate of potash, one scruple of pow- 
dered digitalis and two drachms spirits of nitre. Give 
twice a day for four or five days, but first move the bowels 
freely with castor oil or some other purgative. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS 

This disease frequently occurs from herding too 
many sheep together in close quarters ; then again it is the 



168 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

result of sudden exposure of insufficient ventilation in 
the stable. The common form will be known by the sheep 
panting, heaving of the flanks, discharge from the nose 
and a cough. 

Pratts Animal Regulator, fed in gruel form in fre- 
quent doses, is a valuable remedy. As the sheep recov- 
ers, the time between the doses should be lengthened, and 
as the sheep commences to eat, mix with the regular feed. 
In all cases where Pratts Animal Regulator is used, after 
the bowels are once freely moved, the dose should be regu- 
lated so that the bowels will be natural and regular. 

As mentioned in our note on page 66 to furnish 

other recipes, we would mention the following: Ten 
drops of fluid extract of gelsemium dropped on the tongue 
twice a day. One ounce of chlorate of potash in half a 
pint of flaxseed tea, given daily until the animal shows 
improvement. Keep the animal apart from the others, so 
that it may have rest and quiet. 



GARGET 

This is inflammation of the milk glands, and will not 
usually occur if the milk is drawn should the ewe lose her 
lamb. Drawing the milk, bathing the udder with warm 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEBP AND HOGS 169 

water and feeding Pratts Animal Regulator are all that 
is necessary. 

APHTHA 

This is known by blisters in the mouth and on the 
feet of the sheep. It is painful and difficult to cure. 
Give Pratts Animal Regulator in the usual doses, first, 
however, giving a double dose to physic the animal. The 
mouth should be washed with an ounce of powdered alum 
and one ounce of tincture of myrrh in one quart of water. 
Wash the feet with warm soapsuds and bind up in car- 
bolic ointment. As per our note on page 66 , we mention 
the following: Give Epsom salts, and use in conjunction 
the above local application. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER 

is very often due to the feeding of too much cornmeal or 
other heating food. It is noted by the retention of the 
urine and fever. Pratts Animal Regulator regulates the 
kidneys and bladder and suppresses all inflammation, and 
has proved successful in this disease. Feed per direction 
by mixing with the regular feed of the animal. However, 
as per our note on page 66, to give different recipes, we 
mention the following treatment: Bleeding from the 
neck and linseed oil in two-ounce doses until the animal 
shows improvement. 



170 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

LAMBS 

Colic, diarrhoea, constipation, paralysis, water on 
the brain and other ailments peculiar to lambs can be 
prevented, as well as cured by the proper care of the 
ewe and the feeding of Pratts Animal Regulator. The 
same treatment in all cases for the lambs, when large 
enough to eat, can be applied the same as for sheep, only 
in a modified form. Even paralysis is due to neglect in 
the care of the ewe and indigestion or depraved appetite 
caused by stomach troubles. Much might be said in ref- 
erence to the different diseases of lambs, but intelligent 
reading of the diseases of sheep will enable the reader 
to comprehend the best method in handling any sheep dis- 
ease that may occur in the flock. 



FOOT ROT IN SHEEP 

Foot Rot occurs in the contagious and non-contagi- 
ous form. The former is the more serious by far. This 
form of foot rot occurs in sheep that have been brought 
in from dry pastures to those of an opposite character. In 
contagious foot rot swelling and inflammation above the 
horn and especially between the claws occurs, whereas in 
non-contagious foot rot the horn only is the essential seat 
of the trouble. After a while the horn disintegrates and 
falls away piecemeal. Ulcers are formed on the exposed 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 171 

parts and the discharge has a most offensive odor. When 
the feet are badly affected the sheep feed upon their knees. 
The affected horn should be at once cut away and Pratts 
Dip and Disinfectant applied to the affected parts every 
other day. 

When a large number is to be treated, the sheep 
should be driven through a shallow vat or trough contain- 
ing a mixture of Pratts Dip and Disinfectant and water in 
the proportions of i part Dip to 25 parts water, and cov- 
ering the bottom of the vat to the depth of not less than 
one inch. 

CATARRH 

Generally caused by exposure to rains and stormy 
weather. It is noted by a discharge from the nostrils and 
sneezing and sometimes coughing. The sheep should 
be placed in dry quarters and should be well sustained by 
nourishing food, and given Pratts Animal Regulator, first 
in gruel form, later mixing with the regular feed. 

In accordance with our note on page 66 , we, how- 
ever, give the following remedy: Two ounces of com- 
position powder in a quart of boiling water; allow it to 
stand an hour, and after straining it, add three ounces of 
sugar of milk, and give about three tablespoonfuls sev- 
eral times a day. 



172 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

RHEUMATISM 

This is recognized as a blood disease and, of course, 
affects the whole system. It is almost always caused by 
exposure to cold and wet weather and poor diet. It is 
noticed by failing appetite, swollen and stiff joints and 
general restlessness. The swelling frequently changes 
from one place to another. Pratts Animal Regulator is 
invaluable in this sickness, but the sheep must be well 
protected from the cold and damp, and have plenty dry 
straw for bedding. The other formula which we speak 
of giving in our note on page 66, would be as follows: 
Two ounces of Epsom salts, two drachms of spirits of 
nitre, one-half drachm of fluid extract of ginger. 






INDEX 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS. 



Abortion, Non-Contagious. . 71 

Abortion, Contagious 71 

Afterbirth, removing . . 82 

Anthrax 75 

Appetite, Depraved 86 

Asthma 85 

Beef from Dual Cows 62 

Beef, Pointers on Growing. 55 

Beef from Dairy Cows 56 

Beef from Beef Cows 58 

Blackleg 74 

Bloody Milk 84 

Bladder, Inflammation of.. 82 

Bronchitis 76 

Breeding Dairy Cattle 11 

Breeds of Dairy Cattle 9 

Bulls 52 

Calves for Beef Production 59 

Calf, How to feed 14-22 

Colds 77 

Colic 81 

Cow Pox 85 

Churning 48 

Dairymen, Suggestions for. 5 

Diarrhoea 78 

Diseases 69 

Disinfecting 40 

Dysentery 79 



Ensilage 26 

Exercise in Winter 51 

Fattening Beef from Pas- 
tures 63 

Fodder 16-22 

Foot and Mouth Disease.. 86 
Foods for Dairy Cows ... 20 

Garget 84 

Grains for Dairy Cows 22 

Ice Supply 53 

Improving Dairy Cattle . . 18 

Lump Jaw 73 

Milk, Bloody 84 

Milk Fever 72 

Milk Handled at Home.... 48 

Milk, How to Handle 46 

Milk, Prevent Leaking of . . 84 

Milking, How to do it 44 

Milking Pointers 41 

Odors, how to keep down.. 40 

Pasture 29 

Paunch, Overfed 78 

Pleurisy 76 

Preparing the Feed 23 

Pure Breeds of Dairy Cat- 
tle 9 

Rearing Dairy Cows 13 

Remedies in Case of Sick- 
ness 66 



ii 



INDEX. 



Salt 53 

Scours 78-80 

Selecting Dairy Stock ... 8 

Silos in the Dairy 34 

Soiling Foods 32 

Sores on Lips and Tongue. 85 
Sorghum 33 

Sources of Supply of Beef 
Cattle 56 



Stables for Dairy Cows ... 37 

Teats, Obstructed 86 

Tonics and Regulators 66 

Tuberculosis 70 

Variola 85 

Water Supply 50 

White Scours 81 

Womb, Inflammation of ... 83 
Worms 82 



PRATTS POINTERS ON HOGS. 



Bacon type 95-1 14 

Boars 102 

Bowels, Protusion of 126 

Breed to Choose From 91 

Breeding Swine 94 

Brood Sow in Summer 106 

Brood Sow in Winter 102 

Catarrh 125 

Cholera, Hog 116 

Constipation 125 

Cough 126 

Diarrhoea 120 

Diseases, How to Prevent. 115 
Eating their Young, to Pre- 
vent 128 

Females, Selecting 97 

Foods for Summer & Win- 
ter 97 

Growing Swine on Pasture 109 
Improving the Herd 95 



Lard type 96 

Lice 128 

Mange 129 

Nursing 104-107 

Paralysis 121 

Paralysis of Hind Quarters 127 

Piles 127 

Plague, Swine 117 

Pneumonia in Swine 120 

Pork for the Farm Home.. 113 

Profits from Swine 87 

Quinsy 123 

Rheumatism 122 

Scours 120 

Shelter for Swine 99 

Sore Mouth, Infectious 122 

Stock, What kind to Se- 
lect 90 

Tuberculosis 118 

Worms, Intestinal 118 

Worms, Kidney 126 



INDEX. iii 

PRATTS POINTERS ON SHEEP. 



Aphtha 169 

Bladder, Inflammation of.. 169 

Bioat 165 

Breeds to Choose 134 

Breeding Sheep 136 

Bronchitis 166 

Bowels, Inflammation of... 164 

Catarrh 171 

Constipation 163 

Culling the Flock 138 

Danger from Dogs 157 

Diarrhoea 163 

Digestive Troubles 162 

Dipping 165 

Disease i33-*59 

Exercise for Sheep 157 

Fattening on Pasture 152 

Fattening in Winter 153 

Foods to use in Summer.. 139 
Foods to use in Winter. . .140 

Foot Rot 170 

Garget 168 

Improving the Flock 137 



Lambs, How to care for... 148 

Lungs, Inflammation of 167 

Meat from Sheep 156 

Mutton Breeds 135 

Pleurisy 167 

Rheumatism 172 

Salt for Sheep 156 

Scab 164 

Shearing Sheep 154 

Shelter for Sheep 141 

Stock, foundation 132 

Summer Care of the Flock 146 

Water for Sheep 145 

Weaning Lambs 151 

Winter Care of the Flock 

147-170 
Winter Lambs, How to 

Grow 151 

Wool Breeds 135 

Worms, Broad Tape 160 

Worms, Lung 161 

Worms, Stomach 160 



..-^ 



, 



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Toronto, Canada 





JERSEY. 



P^lMM>?Q\HTE 



ON COWS HOGS & SHE 







